Irredeemable

A well known Jamaican Politician once remarked that some segments of the youth population in his constituency are irredeemable. Other words, were used to convey the sentiment that some of these individuals who are intractable had no possibility of changing.

He was not the only one to have said so and will not be the last. These statements are usually applied primarily to Jamaicans who reside in inner-cities, whether Arnette Gardens or Tivoli Gardens. Anyone who suggests that many of our countrymen in these contexts may be somewhat irreconcilable, might be motivated by personal experience and may deserves due consideration. However, I respectfully disagree with the opinion.

It is indeed challenging and perhaps extremely difficult to achieve behavior modification in respect of perceived antisocial behaviors, especially in our 'neo-colonial' context, where definition of socially acceptable and undesirable behaviors are clouded by the legacy of past colonial ghosts, still haunting our present discourse. Even those of us who work among the disenfranchised, are guilty of imposing our own standards, learned from the melting pot of values and beliefs, whose ingredients we have not sufficiently dissected and contextualized. Anyone who works in depressed communities and who work on capacity building projects can attest to the many moments of frustration and possible towel throwing episodes; but the commitment is kept.

But what proves to be most challenging and threatening to transformation, or behavior change communication, are not necessarily the perceived 'irredeemables' among the dis-empowered, but instead, those among the elite and/or middle class who appear intractable and themselves unwilling to demonstrate flexibility in ideas and methodology. What might be more insurmountable are those among us who believe that they 'know better than those poor bastards'. Our 'irredeemable' may just be those among us who are comfortable, well positioned and 'knowledgeable' and who control the affairs of business, public opinion/education or politics, and who are not willing to listen to those among us who suffer daily. Our irreconcilable may just be those among us who do not listen to those among us who actually interface and work among those that endure overwhelming circumstances. Our irredeemable may just be those among us who do not pay attention to those among us who are penned in addresses that are not read neither accepted in job interviews; those among us who pen their lives on 'gully' banks and 'gaza' strips, painting autobio'graphical' poignant lyrical pictures that move minds and make hits - hitting the sensibilities of many among us who still refuse to listen.

I would therefore encourage us to evaluate ourselves and see where the change of attitude is seriously needed in our society and make the necessary adjustment, if we are not irredeemable.

Great Disappointments

Part 1

When the 19th century American Baptist preacher, William Miller predicted to his followers that Jesus Christ would return at some point in 1844, a series of events followed that would lead to what is historically known as "The Great Disappointment".

The Millerites, as his followers were called, trusted the intricate calculations and the charismatic fortitude of their leader, who, they believed was divinely sent to facilitate their salvation on heaven’s behalf. They traded in all their possessions in return for white robes and waited in great anticipation for the return of Christ. Despite the rain check on the date, calculations continued with further scriptural interpretation by Samuel S. Snow, subsequently referred to as, “seventh-month message" or the “true midnight cry”, which gave a more precise date. Snow conjectured that the return would occur ‘the tenth day of the seventh month of the present year’, which would be 1844. Snow used the calendar of the Karaite Jews, from which he surmised that October 22 would be the great day. It is this final failed apocalypse that became known as the Great Disappointment.

While there are genuine questions about the first or second coming of the figure presently referred to as Jesus Christ, these failed advents do not prove nor disprove a coming, whether real or virtual. However, it reminds us that as a species, our hopes, fears, wishes and desires often cloud our judgment and ability to apply independent & critical thinking. In many cases, we tend to project our deepest fears & aspirations on to someone, entity or group in which we place all our trust, and on whom we can rely, by some divine ordinance, to exorcise our demons, intercede on our behalf or pave the way for our salvation. We are reminded that as a species, we are sometimes willing to trade in our intellectual possessions in return for mental white robes from our religious or political leaders that blanket our minds from objective analysis, in anticipation of the fulfillment of one promise or another.

Our hopes are not always misplaced though. It is in fact a natural and an important part of the human journey to hope, dream & strive for ideals that unite us. But our aspirations and expectations are sometimes unreasonable and we often forget that no matter how unique, exceptional and extraordinary our leaders are, they are human beings who are also subject to the same fears and limitations of their fellow. We often forget that our leaders are also subject to error.

I would therefore submit, that our leaders are the sum total of all our fears, hopes, strengths & weaknesses. Some of them/us, either through religious commitment, discipline (via other forms of moral persuasion), conscience, socialization or habit have learned to control & manage those things in us that are undesirable. It is the continued journey of life, for all in common, to cultivate & nurture those things in us which are most desirable & to reduce & control if not eliminate those things in us which are not.

Our impulse therefore must be to investigate for ourselves & to amass sufficient knowledge of the facts and information in order to either lend support to those who lead, or to question & challenge their hypotheses with constructive alternatives. Anything less will result in ‘great disappointments’.

Bad Company

I was asked to speak with a group of young people recently. They were members of the youth leadership body of a prominent High School. The group consisted of Head Boy & Girl along with Deputies, Prefects, the Student Council Executive and supporting staff. I was briefed on a particular concern that the school had even among its youth leaders. They were concerned about ‘BAD COMPANY’. I was therefore asked to, while I spoke, encourage them to AVOID ‘BAD COMPANY’ and try not to get involved in negative behavior.

I was told that I had approximately half an hour and up to forty five minutes to speak. However, each time I am asked to speak, especially to teenagers, I remember that I too was a teen and I could not tolerate standing or sitting to listen to anyone speak for such a long time, except the speaker were Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela or Malcolm X. And I had the power to press pause at any time since I had control over the remote. I also tolerated the preacher, primarily because I believed then that I was honoring God by enduring the weekly repetition. I also endured the preacher because I too had my turn on the pulpit and required attention.

So I decided to speak for no more than ten minutes with these teens. I also decided that I would speak nothing of ‘WHAT TO AVOID AND WHAT NOT TO DO’, but instead I opted to challenge them to think on WHAT TO DO, WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY WANT TO GO, as well as HOW THEY WANT TO BE REMEMBERED . I decided to do this by inviting a discussion, encouraging them to affirm ‘I AM’, ‘I MUST’ & ‘I WILL BE’ using the following keywords:

1. Respect

2. Responsible

3. Reputable

4. Role Model

I started them off by saying; ‘We have always been told to stay away from bad company – But, are you in bad company or are you bad company? Am I bad company?

The rest was history. Ten minutes were spent successfully, having the Youth Leadership Body re-energized about their roles and responsibilities and how they see themselves as reputable role models from whose company others will be positively impacted. They, from their own mouths affirmed that they will respect themselves and others both in the execution of their duties and their general deportment. They were not told by me what not to be or to do, but they affirmed what they will be – better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today.

We cannot underestimate the intelligence of youth and their ability to define and answer some of the challenges they face. We should spend more time affirming their strengths and inviting them to identify and affirm the best in them; rather than often warning them against the many evils of youth, often proven to be an exercise in futility.

While we lament the negatives of PEER PRESSURE, let us affirm and publicize the positive youth role models who can be the positive peer pressure for their counterparts. When we seek to motivate our youth, let us demonstrate by example. Encourage them to dream of what they can achieve and challenge them, not with lofty speeches, but through engagement that allows them to question and answer themselves. And when we, as adults and leaders assemble to set agendas for our youth, let us ask ourselves each, ‘Am I bad Company’?

In the Making

'Police!! Police!! Open di door! - Get up off a di bed bwoy! Floor!! Floor! 'Pon di floor!!'

It was approximately 3:00 am. *Mike was deep in sleep, disoriented and barely covered in an underwear that he would have preferred to be kept private from public eyes. He just turned seventeen and dreamed of being an architect so that he can design homes for inner-city residents as well as participate in the design and planning of a more beautiful community. On his single spring mattress, that squeaked from the worn metallic base, was a book of his free hand sketches - he was practicing and preparing for that big break - preparing sketches, just in case he got an opportunity to display his talent.

The floor is cold; colder than the cold stand piped water with which he washed himself before he went to bed earlier the previous evening. 'Pon you face bwoy!! Mi a Police! Mi will Kill you bwoy!! It is dark, but he can feel the heels of boots in his hungry belly, rib and back. 'Mi say don't move bwoy! A dead you want dead Pu*#y!!?! He awakes, not quiet fully, but just enough to know his sleeping is over and that eternal sleeplessness has just begun.

Six o'clock. The pavement on which he is now standing is damp. The bleeding from his bruised feet runs like a little river, meandering along the gully bank. He wants to run. Run even like his blood that runs, even far enough to die trying. But he's tired. His breath is uneven as he chokes on blood that drips from his nostrils and mouth; blood that reminds him to shut his mouth and not ask questions of Police. To his left and right he now sees that he stands in a line; a line of at least twenty – standing, awaiting daylight that should have shed light on questions that are asked. But none have spoken. Silence or speech; what's the difference?

The pick up arrives. Its eight o'clock. *Mike is driven to a lock up, 'processed' and locked up.

As I listened to his story, I listen with my usual critical inner ear. But like many, whose story I hear, I hear the familiar theme and had no reason not to believe. We know that criminals are among us. But we also know that many are caught in the wide net of raids and who do not belong in a jail cell.

*Mike recounts that after a few weeks, his uncle got him a lawyer. He learned that he was charged with possession of firearm and must appear in court to answer to the charges. He tells me that he spent over two years going to Court and is yet to see the Officer who charged him or the firearm which he is alleged to have had. He tells me that he spent his savings on lawyer fees; paying someone who speaks for him, but does not speak his words. He tells me that he thought that he was still sleeping, and did not awake after he last went to bed with his sketches by his head. He tells me that he was cut in the face, got his teeth knocked out and his foot broken in jail. He tells me that he thought that by complying with the system, his innocence would be proven.

He is confused and begins to contemplate suicide. Suicidal thoughts gave way to bitterness. He wants to find the Police that took him from his bed. He wants to let him know how he feels. He wants to kill him. He hates Police. He wants to kill them all. He wonders if his lawyer believes him. He thinks his lawyer is working with the prosecutor. He doesn't trust his lawyer. His lawyer begins to suggest that he submits a guilty plea. The Judge, everyone seems to be against him. Why? He doesn't understand.

He is now nineteen. He has been honoring his court appointments. The Arresting Officer has still not showed up. The judge tells him, "Bwoy, just go a yaad, you hear?". His lawyer tells him, "everything ok now". He still doesn't understand. He is still confused, so he asked me:
1. Mr. Frith, you ever hear 'bout any youth in Norbrook or Cherry Gardens go to him bed and wake up inna jail with buss mouth, half dressed and bruised up?
2. Is it possible for a Police to just take a youth out a him bed and tell him say him can't ask no question? I neva own a gun nor have one. Nor hold one fi nobody.
3. How come the Police charge me fi gun possession and up till now I don't know which gun dat?
4. How come I end up a go Court and di Police weh charge mi still can't reach a Court wid the gun that him say mi have?
5. So after I take all my money plus borrow money to pay lawyer and di judge just decide say since di Police nah come, mi must go home - how come nobody no tell me sorry? What a go happen to the Police weh tell lie ‘pon me?
6. I a try find work and can’t fine none - look pon me. Mi look like bad man. Cut face, screw face. Three years a my life just happen like a nightmare..... tell my why somebody shouldn’t pay back fi this?

There are criminals. There are others who are not. Then there are those who are not quite yet, but an experience like this is often the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. There are also those moments when stories like these are told and I know better than to think that I am hearing the story of a lamb lead to the slaughter. I KNOW THAT OUR HARD WORKING POLICE MEN AND WOMEN DEAL WITH DIFFICULT CONDITIONS DAILY AND FACE SERIOUS RISKS. BUT WE ALSO KNOW THAT SOME ARE WALKING DISASTERS AND WE MUST SEPARATE THEM, SOONER THAN LATER.

As *Mike sat in my office and looked across the desk, waiting for some kind of answer that makes sense, I scanned my brain running through the several identical cases that I have dealt with before now and offered sound advice then. I slanted my head to the left to view my computer screen, scrolling through the database of agencies to which I have referred others like him. My mind replayed the perfect lines and sequence of assuring words, sympathy and suggestions of a way forward. I have done this several times before. This should be easy.

But this time, it was one too many for the month. I leaned back in my chair, reaching for the bottle of Catherine's Peak water I was drinking before he came. I reached for the extra un-pulled bottle that I kept for my evening drink. I offered him the bottle. He said thanks. The kind of thanks you get from a wanderer whose fainting steps in an arid desert wanes but quickens in view of an oasis. I sipped. He sipped. We sipped and washed our silence. We drank for the hundreds of souls like him who thirst in mid morning raids; whose stories were never told and who still seek answers. We drank, quenching his bruised soul. We drank in silence, disturbed only by the old window unit buzzing and cooling the charged office; charged with anger, bitterness and pain. We drank and emptied our souls in silence.

Like the many before him that I answered in politically correct words, giving hope, encouragement and suggestions, he came for words that made sense. But like the empty bottle that he now examines in his hand, he has emptied himself. I did not speak. I too am empty. I had to empty myself for a moment. He said, 'thanks for listening sir, I really appreciate it'. I said, 'You're welcome'. I scheduled sessions for him with my Counselors. I decided to recommend and enroll him in Training and assist him with identifying or creating an income generating opportunity. I decided to help him, the way we have helped and tried to help many others like him, before him. He was wiling to take the leap forward.

But as we agreed to an action plan and a way forward, I thought of the many others like him, whose stories are never heard; others like him, for whom this experience is fuel in the furnace of shottas in the making....

To be continued....

This Business of Crime

Crime does not pay; or does it? Crime does not make sense; or is there some sense to crime? Is it the Police, the Government and its international allies, or is it the non profit sector, complete with the church and civil society that will be most effective at managing this monster? The enlightened answer would be, all of the above in addition to the ordinary citizenry. However, are we seriously doing those simple things to mitigate the effects of crime or to reduce its antecedents, while vigorously dismantling the structures and practices that sustain and regenerate it?

Following the recent (mid October) murder of an alleged corner "don", in Morgan's Lane, the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) intervened, commendably, to do their part in showing solidarity with the community as well as to initiate discussions and fortify networks to minimize the likely occurrence of reprisals. But we are going to need something more than that, notwithstanding that the PMI’s intervention is welcomed. HOWEVER, THE VALIANT AUGUST TOWN EXPERIMENT IN THE FORM OF A SIGNED PEACE TREATY BETWEEN CONTENDING FACTIONS, DEMONSTRATE THAT THE WELL-INTENTIONED GESTURE WITH ITS MUCH APPRECIATED SHORT-TERM EFFECTIVENESS IS OVERSHADOWED BY THE HUSHED MONSTER OF GUNS & AMMUNITION, WHICH LURKS IN THE DARK CORNERS OF ZINC FENCE AND GULLY BANKS, WAITING TO LEAP, UNLEASHING JUNGLE JUSTICE AND FROM WHOSE REINING BULLETS THERE IS LITTLE OR NO SHELTER.

Grants Pen has had its share of community walks and marches but no official treaties. These walks and marches all serve their purposes; to encourage and provide solace to the affected as well as to paint a picture of hope to residents before whom a dull & blank canvass of tomorrow is spread. We have scheduled counseling for the victims of violence and their families and have engaged stakeholders to look at steps to take as part of this seeming constant posture against tension and conflict. BUT THE ISSUES RUN DEEP; DEEPER THAN WALKS OR TALKS CAN CURE. I am further annoyed when, after each shooting, well intentioned colleagues point to a specific incident that triggered the outbreak, referring to the impetus as the “cause”. CAUSES RUN DEEPER THAN THE SQUABBLES OVER WHICH PEOPLE INJURE AND KILL EACH OTHER. Causes pre-date the detectable incidents that lead people to re-visit longstanding conflicts. Causes are connected to the frequent movement and genesis of guns and ammunition in communities. CAUSES ARE TIED TO STRUCTURES THAT IMPLICATE MANY AMONG US, FOR WHOM THE EVIDENCE WOULD REVEAL AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.

It may be true that things are comparatively worse now, relative to previous years. However, better or worse are also subject to the identification of agreed standards. We could argue that things are better in terms of ‘available opportunities for training and development’, but worse in terms of available opportunities to access guns & ammunition. We could also say, better in terms of relationships between political leaders, but worse in terms of relationships among rivaling factions. We could further say, better in terms of the reduction in the rate of teenage and unwanted pregnancies, but worse in terms of the increased number of children (younger & younger) who are becoming involved in armed conflict. I therefore posit that we immediately fortify our resolve to expedite simple and constructive initiatives that will have a short to medium term impact, while engaging stakeholders and authorities to attend to other critical issues aimed at materializing long term gains.

Here are three things that I think will have a short-term impact - things that have been done before, that worked well:

1. MENTORSHIP: A consistent programme that engages role models (in particular, adult males) to maintain a positive and close association with young 'at risk' males, between the ages of ten and seventeen years. I threw this out to a Men's group some time ago, having attended their breakfast on a number of occasions, to speak about the Foundation and further seek improved collaboration. I was of the view that spiritual men well positioned in faith, could be good role models. My overwhelming impulse is to revisit the suggestion and trust that it will materialize. This is something that I have also put before my Board and I am confident that it will materialize shortly. The Foundation's team has been doing it in a small informal way; hence expanding it should not be a major challenge. The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) also launched a National Mentorship Programme in 2008, however much more of this is needed locally. This will prove critical.

In my six years working within the Grants Pen/Barbican communities, I have found that for every ten boys that are kept away from the gun, at least six will be in a position to fire one, and at least one will do much more than just that. For every hour that we spend mentoring a youth at risk, he faces at least a competing five hours per day dealing with the prompting, coaching or temptation from a ‘top shotta’; at least five sleepless hours per night wondering if he will wake up; at least four hours per day sifting musical 'gangsta for life' messages and the remaining hours spent trying to make sense of his existence in the context of a society that defines success via the acquisition of material goods and social prestige; weighing options and pathways to attain success in a context where many of his counterparts have ‘fallen by the wayside’ and many who share his social background have attained success either through ‘illicit’ means or music & sports. He is less likely to associate his reality with other pathways, many of which appear to present barriers and access is denied, reserved for those who are of a different ilk. This is compounded by the tendency of people introducing ‘skills training’ and other forms of perceived ‘limited options’ to such a youth, reinforcing the perception that he must concern himself with ‘getting a skill’ in preparation to be a laborer. He is not sufficiently introduced to horizons that bring into full view the possibility of exploring and accessing a place in the wide range of professions available to all that dare to strive. I suggest that we call upon well thinking men of the parish and society at large to get involved, not merely from a distance, but in a direct way, to make a difference in the life of at least one boy, whose options would include more than the obvious limited options presently before him. I am committed to organize both, through the schools and otherwise, young men that we know are likely to join the parade of gangster life, so that we can intercept the likely outcome.

2. POLICING: The Police are very aware of the hot-spots, as they are very aware of major players. The Police have to do their work professionally and consistently. Despite the view and perhaps fact that the Police are outgunned, their presence and patrols have made and will make a difference, both as a deterrent to would be shooters as well as to provide a sense of security for residents who wish to go about their daily business. But as soon as things seem to calm down, they withdraw as well. I would recommend that the Police continue to maintain a strong presence to at least bring a degree of security and assurance generally but especially in the aftermath of incidents, and to maintain this presence throughout, accompanied by the necessary investigative work which should lead to the arrest and charge of those deserving of that outcome.

3. YOUTH CLUBS DEVELOPMENT & SPORTS: This worked historically and can work again. However, the guns will only abate during the actual events and will re-emerge once the dust settles. This will also require ALL HANDS on deck. This business of community development is very consuming and will require the support and participation of as many partners as possible. Through the Community Policing Consultative Committee and especially the Triumph Unity Sports Club, a series of competitions have been held - most recent of which was a 20/20 cricket competition with key partner, the Social Development Commission. The various stakeholders were represented including the Police. In the past, the Stella Maris Foundation, Greater Grants Pen Ministers Fraternal as well as community Organizer, Donovan Corcho, all carried out very effective sporting initiatives at various periods, all of which had observable impact. More of this is needed. The short term impact would involve a coming together of various groups in active participation. The therapeutic value and uniting power of sports are well known. The desired outcome will be three-fold (1) softening of tensions that provide an opportunity for bridge building and peace building (2) isolation and alienation of obvious antagonists whose popularity will wane (3) the strengthening of Youth Clubs and local leadership as the community increases ownership of the transformation process and leadership roles. However we must be mindful that this is no silver bullet. One of the well known killings took place during an ensuing sporting competition when the shooter walked to the pavilion, picked his target, and shot him to death in full view of onlookers, while the victim held his baby in his arms.

For long term solutions, it will be necessary for all stakeholder organization to look at:

1. STRENGTHENING THE MULTI-SECTORIAL APPROACH/INTER AGENCY COLLABORATION: While the above Easily Attainable Tasks (EATS) are taking place, the Police MUST surgically remove and deal with the known antagonists; residents will grow in confidence when trust and confidence in the Police improves and vice-versa. The surgical removal of antagonists will also include corrupt Police Officers. Stakeholders must continue to collaborate and not duplicate energies. The private sector must continue to partner with and support the community initiatives and not back away in the face of inter-agency differences. The Churches must continue to pray and work with communities and encourage their members to be more visible in demonstrating their faith, as without works, faith is dead.

2. EXPOSURE & REDUCTION OF EXTERNAL INFLUENCES: It is widely held by many residents that there are powerful figures outside of Grants Pen and other affected inner-city communities, whether overseas or elsewhere in Jamaica, including alleged well positioned business men and/or political activists who seem to calculate PROFIT from unrest. The intent of engagement may not at first be to cause unrest; however, certain activities inevitably precipitate conditions that lead to unrest. The REAL SOLUTIONS therefore involve REAL RISKS. RISKS IN ENGAGING IN CONSTRUCTIVE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE DIALOGUE FOR RECONCILIATION AND RESOLUTION. ONE’S LIFE MAY BECOME THREATENED IF ONE SPEAKS TRUTH. Further, it is counterproductive to have men and women sitting at the table of problem solving, when some of the participants are believed to be connected and compromised. WHETHER ALLEGATIONS ARE TRUE OR FALSE, THEY SERVE AS DISTRACTIONS AND DIVERSIONS TO SOLUTIONS FINDING, WHERE A LACK OF TRUST IN THE PROCESS OR LACK OF INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME ARE OFTEN LIKELY. This mistrust or lack of interest is shared by both the members of the community and sections of other major partners locally and internationally. It will prove challenging to separate the fact from fiction and mischief making from serious concerns. DOUBTS MUST BE TABLED AND IRONED OUT. Many of these vague issues are compounded by further external influences that repeat the cycle. The Long term solution therefore involves the will to expose and bring to Books THE REAL INFLUENCES, which often do not reside in the area and appear to lead normal lives among law abiding citizens.

3. REDUCING FEAR & MISTRUST OF POLICE: This is one of, if not the most pressing matter to be dealt with. We have been doing our part to encourage citizens to respect the Police and to understand how they can play their part in building a better relationship with them. Whether in the capacity of citizen or colleague, we also encourage the Police to respect basic human rights and operate professionally in the execution of their duties. No other group has lead in this regard comparable to Jamaicans for Justice.

However, as is the case across the island, gunmen are not constrained in their indiscriminate actions, as they are well aware that no one is likely to bear witness to the Police. Many who dare to bear witness, recount receiving threats from the perpetrators even before they get home. Many people still fear providing the Police with information as they have first hand experience of negative repercussions. Hence, the real solution, even to the local problem in Grants Pen, will require ONCE and FOR ALL the IMPLEMENTATION of a NATIONAL Effort of rooting out rogue cops - talked about, over-studied, from Community Policing and Safety Researches, to McMillan report, to PERF (Police Executive Research Forum) Report - For crying out Loud! At least one needs to be fully acted upon decisively.

4. SUSTAINABLE HOUSING/NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT & GREEN SPACES/RECREATIONAL PARKS: As long as people continue to live in conditions that facilitate depression, the breeding ground for dissent, social instability and disorder will thrive. Many born behind a zinc fenced wall have not seen the light of day or the nearest town. Like vampires, they sleep in daytime and assume guard duties on the graveyard shift, like little scouts watching over their 'turf". Too many reports have been done on these things, to refute the impact that squalor has on the mind and behavior. This needs to be addressed.

5. INCREASING EARNING OPPORTUNITIES: This may arguably have the most far reaching impact. Economics as it relates to the negotiation and distribution of power, matters relating to justice, self confidence, belonging, dignity and social identity are inextricably linked to the pursuit of happiness and the methods employed to realize same. I further submit that the economic consideration can be examined (but not exclusive) in the following two ways;

a) MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: This remains a major front on which the battle is to be waged. We often say 'Crime does not Pay'. On the contrary, it does seem to be profiting someone. It will be necessary to strengthen and expand support of small business initiatives and ideas. Many residents are trying to make two ends meet and are frustrated by the inhibitions involved in accessing financial support. For a medium to long term impact, I am recommending that we partner with the SBAJ, JBDC et al, to host a series of Wealth Creation Expos/Fairs, exposing residents to business ideas and opportunities, despite or as a result of the recession. This should not be a one off event, but followed up with tangible support and resource persons/entities that can provide ongoing advice and direction to local entrepreneurs. THE IMPULSE TO FEED CAN LEAD AND HAS LED MANY YOUNG UNATTACHED YOUTH TO DOING THINGS THAT THEY SEE AS "PROFITABLE". Perhaps we can commit greater energies in these areas.

I would also submit that the phenomenon of Contract Killing should be thoroughly examined. It is not far fetched to deduce that this is a viable and profitable operation in the eyes of many detached youth who have not gained access to income generating opportunities in the legal sphere. These “dispensable” contractors are easily replaced from a large ‘at risk’ cohort waiting in the wings and who are anxious to ‘eat a food’ even if it means ‘eating someone else’s food’ (robbing and/or killing someone). The dispensable ‘shotta’ (hit-man/ gunman) will likely be disposed of by another hit ordered on his life or in anticipation of his fate, he quickly relocates and takes his reign of terror to an adopted environment. In many cases, he is repentant and seeks to assimilate in the formal society. His assimilation is frequently hampered by what he sees as the double standard and hypocrisy in the society at large, whereby, he remembers that his genesis in crime is connected with the very ‘big man’ or entity that functions as a law abiding citizen. In some instances, his assimilation and integration is successful and uneventful. He pursues normal life and maintains an average profile. In other cases, HE REFUSES TO SUBMIT TO THE LAWS AND CODES OF A SOCIETY, WHOSE GATEKEEPERS WERE HIS ‘HANDLERS’ OR HIS BROTHERS IN ARMS. HE WILL NOT ACCEPT THE CRUMBS THAT FALL FROM WHAT HE SEES AS THE GLUTTONOUS TABLES OF THE HANDFUL OF 'CON'SULTANTS WHO COLLECT MILLIONS IN A MONTH - MILLIONS THAT COULD FEED MANY LIKE HIM IN A YEAR. HE EVENTUALLY REQUIRES EQUAL PARTNERSHIP AND SHARE IN SOCIETY’S BOUNTY.

More often that not, this ‘little shotta’, with experience in gunmanship, in tandem with his deep connections to a well positioned business interest or political activist, is confident about his chances of organizing and running his own ‘society’, with the establishment operating as his competitor or partner. He is very aware of the tools of charismatic ‘mind control’ which he learned from the political scenes; he is very aware of shrewd business practices, ruthless cunning and slight of hand learned from the business environment and he is also very aware of the pastoral care and promise, the ‘do as I say but not as I do’ as well as the ‘vengeance is mine’ philosophy learned from the pews and sermons. HIS RESUME IS COMPLETE WITH HIS CREDENTIALS AS SOMEONE WHO HAS FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF JUDICIAL INJUSTICE, some form of police brutality and the structural societal inequalities that define the life of marginalized and working class Jamaicans. The perceived cold and disproportionate execution of justice manifest in his experience of Policing, questionable legal processes and often wrongful incarceration are unifying themes familiar to him and many other young men who seek to share in the riches and bounty that their ‘handlers’ enjoy. Many, like he and his 'disciples' find refuge in our popular music, which functions dually as a potent vehicle through which he tells his story as well as an artistic & business tool that functions as an income earner, to 'eat a food' both for the short and long term; thus a means of gaining 'respect' recognition and power, or building a meaningful career. HENCE, THEY ASPIRE TO ‘CALL THEIR OWN SHOTS’ AND PLACE THEMSELVES IN FINANCIALLY AND SOCIALLY INFLUENTIAL POSITIONS THEREBY LIMITING THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTINUED ‘MISHANDLING’ OR POSSIBLE EXTRADITION. Enter the Political strongman, musical 'dads', financial 'big' man or Community Leader who organizes Christmas Treats and back to school events for the children. In many cases, he is all of the above, or a mouthpiece/front-man. The CONSUMMATE DON, THEREFORE IS NOT A FOREIGN ANOMALY THAT CONTRADICTS THE VALUES AND IDEALS OF OUR SOCIETY. THE DON IS THE SUBTOTAL OF OUR NORMS, VALUES AND ATTITUDES SUBVERTED, YET JUXTAPOSED ALONGSIDE OUR DEFINITION OF ORDER. The don and his governance structure provide a competing system of order, complete with justice, religion, education & training, history, economics and politics THAT BOTH SUSTAIN AND THREATEN THE STATUS QUO. NB - This scenario is in no way suggesting that musical artistes are dons and shottas on the whole, but instead, positing the effective use of music as a vehicle to transmit and reinforce the cycle.

Our systems of economics, governance and morals chew and spit out those among us who are most vulnerable. In a quest for self actualization, economic, political and otherwise, human beings will conform to, challenge or create their own order which is often a reflection of the very system that they challenge. THE USED AND ABUSED WILL EVENTUALLY AMASS SUFFICIENT POWER TO USE AND ABUSE, BOTH THOSE WHO FORMERLY USED AND ABUSED THEM AS WELL AS THOSE THAT THEY NOW SEE AS PAWNS IN THIS CYCLE OF PROFIT MAKING, BE IT GUNS FOR DRUGS OR BODIES FOR CASH. In society’s quest to rid itself of these ‘informal’ subcultures, we miss the mark when we pretend as though these groups merely emerge without precedent. Hence, to break this cycle will require the WILL to UNRAVEL THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS AND TO DEMYSTIFY THE MOTIVES, BEHAVIORS AND ASPIRATIONS OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS THAT WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR, POUND OR EURO (THE FOLLY TRINITY).

b) BREAKING THE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING OF GUNS & DRUGS: We must remember that while we act locally, we must think globally. Grants Pen and other inner-cities are operating in a global sphere, where the profitable trade in arms continues to provide a way of life for many in the subculture of organized crime. We must be aware that the basic business principle of supply and demand is relevant to both the legal and illegal trade. This is applicable to our open borders overrun by two trafficking in arms and drugs, whether via Pedro Quays our International Airports or Kingston Harbor. How can we continue to exhaust our efforts at cutting the supply, without dealing with the overwhelming demand? OUR AUTHORITIES MUST ALSO INSIST THAT OUR INTERNATIONAL ALLIES EXPRESS URGENCY AND DEMONSTRATE VIGILANCE ON NOT JUST WHAT ENTERS THEIR BORDERS, BUT ALSO WHAT DEPARTS THEM.

THERE IS MUCH METHOD IN WHAT WE SEE AS MANIFEST MADNESS. CALCULATED SELF INTEREST AND PROFIT MAKING ARE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF SHOOTINGS/KILLINGS AS ARE VENGEANCE AND REPRISAL. Hence, we must guard our impulse to rush to alarm, perplexity and judgment that do not contextualize the problem. We must know that all our work will continue to be challenged by the easy flow of guns and ammunition into and through these communities. WE MUST KNOW THAT THIS BUSINESS OF CRIME IS BUSINESS FOR SOME PEOPLE, WHETHER POLITICIAN, PREACHER, POLICE, PRIVATE SECTOR, JOHN PUBLIC OR PAWN. AGAIN, THIS TAKES US TO THE REAL SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN AT RISK FOR DECADES AT THE EXPENSE OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AND EXPEDIENCE. The inconvenient truth that the movers and shakers behind much of the illicit trade and practices that breed crime and violence are those among us, well positioned & are virtually immune from detection and prosecution. THE VERY MENTION OR INSINUATION OF THIS, IN THE FACE OF OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE CAN STILL EARN YOU A LAW SUIT FOR SLANDER OR EVEN A HIT ORDERED ON YOUR HEAD. WHAT WE ARE SEEING IN THE COMMUNITIES ARE, THEREFORE BUT SYMPTOMS OF THIS CHRONIC DISEASE.

We will therefore continue to compete in this free market economy, where values and ideals are up for trade on equal terms with traditional goods and services. While we compete, we must be aware that all interests seek to prevail. Let us too, not quench our desire to prevail.

Omar C. Frith

General Manager,Stella Maris Foundation

Targets – Reviewing the Grants Pen situation and this Business of Crime

Originally wrtitten, 2008.

There have been a series of discussions over the past months on the embattled Community Policing Project in Grants Pen St. Andrew, the tone of which has the potential to be very polarizing. As a consequence, the differing views on the subject have lead to fallout among some of the key stakeholders - if not publicly, at least in the cover of meetings or other informal assemblies, and now gradually surfacing. I am of the view, however, that this issue of success or failure is contingent upon the following;

1. Who was setting the targets

2. what the targets and objectives were

3. what timeliness were tied to the respective targets

4. to what extent were the targets achieved within the specified time

5. What were the next definable steps at the end of the project term to sustain the effects/results

This would raise another important question regarding "who" would be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the results. These are crucial questions to be concluded for future projects.

It is worth noting that some of the very important stakeholders came in at different stages – hence, a degree of disconnect would exist in the points of view, objectives and perceptions of various interests. What needs to be done is a fair and honest assessment of the successes and shortcomings of the project, so that we can build upon its strengths and attempt to address its shortcomings with rigorous evaluation and scrutiny. This is recommended more so than any research or approach intended for either a wholesale dismissal of the project as a failure or a knee-jerk defense to suggest that it was a resounding success. I have been opposed to either of those two extreme views. It is very easy to find evidence to support either view once there is an interest to build a case in defense of either. The justice we seek to find for our disenfranchised brothers and sisters must also be reflected in our work, in our research, in our business and our pronouncements. Exhaustive discussions have ensued on the particular Grants Pen situation, but I wish to engage in a conversation that invites contextual dispassionate thinking. ANY EFFORT TO COMPREHENSIVELY SOLVE THE GRANTS PEN ISSUE WILL AMOUNT TO NAUGHT WITHOUT DUE ATTENTION TO SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN CONCERT WITH LOCAL INTERVENTIONS. Some of these issues include:

1. The International trafficking of Guns and Drugs in tandem with easy intra and inter-community transportation of same

2. The importation and exportation of 'shottas' (gun-men) from one inner-city community to the next

3. Historic mistrust of Police and authority - (perception of corruption as well as experience of same, including influential officials/citizens involved in organized crime)

4. History of Political tensions and divisions or tensions that prevail, whether perceived or real 

5. Broken Families (Children who are parents/Homes without Fathers/Poor Parenting)

6. Competitive, well funded and powerful negative messages of social engineering in mainstream media that conflicts with the positive messages from low budget NGOs and other positive agents of socialization. Some of these negative images include:

(1) High promotion of gun violence/gangster lifestyle and 'get rich or die trying' themes by leading role models (to the minds we seek to influence) in music (dance-hall etc.)

(2) The promotion of renegade personalities and discouragement of cooperation with the Police and legal authorities (“Informer fi dead”)

I have only scratched the surface and will not elaborate here, on the preceding, as enough research and findings have been presented on the respective areas. These things will not simply disappear from the radar as soon as projects are rolled out. All interests will continue to contend in a free market environment, including those that seek to search and destroy all that is good. The competition never rests. Therefore, while some are building, some are tearing down. While we offer training in Information Technology (IT) skills to contribute to the economy, some offer training in IT skills to take from the economy; while we offer counseling to unload burdens, feelings of guilt, anger, revenge and hate, some are offer training on how to unload and reload M-16s or Ak-47s, and how to burden business men/women with extortion rings or their border rivals with revengeful reprisals. This does not imply failure on the part of civil society. It will not take one project alone to rid our society of the scourge of violence. It is unreasonable to suggest that a two-year project should restore total trust or peace. How does one expect that a short term intervention should reverse the curse of decades of social, economic and political disenfranchisement? Who could be audacious enough to demand that projects that are subject to the ‘terms’ and conditions of donors, solve problems whose roots run deep?

What is required is a systematic and clear strategic definition of the terms of engagement with incremental and long-term targets clearly defined and time-bound, tied to resources. Targets achieved in increments can demonstrate tangible and measurable successes that can be built upon. On the other hand, goals and objectives that are diffused and broad-based have the potential to lead to perceptions of failure, as the parameters for measurement are neither well defined nor clear; or when targets are unrealistic based on time-lines and available resources. This will result in continued frustration and an exercise in futility. If Grants Pen is therefore seen as a place where everyone wants to do something or anything; and everyone is achieving something at least, and wants to be credited with the rewards of being "the one" with the solution, confusion will be inevitable. THIS WILL ALSO GENERATE A DIFFERENT KIND OF TURF WAR WHICH IS NOT CONFINED TO RIVALING GANGS SLINGING GUNS WITH MISGUIDED BULLETS, BUT ALSO AMONG STAKEHOLDERS SLINGING UNFOUNDED STATEMENTS IN PRESS RELEASES OR CONFERENCE ROOMS. If this obtains then there will not be sufficient definition of, agreement on or tracking of targets and results. This will also frustrate residents. There must be sufficient strategic planning tied to a system of proper monitoring and evaluation, with a unified, definable, identifiable and accountable agency. Despite that fact that the philosophy and practice of Local Development encourages collaboration and the empowered involvement of all actors, it cannot be left up solely to the enthusiasm of fragmented groups, that assume that “we are all in it together”, to benchmark success. There must be one oversight body or umbrella under which all efforts will operate on this special and any other special project designed to achieve special results. Additionally, specialized expertise must be called upon to take on specialized tasks. Absence of this is due in part to budgetary constraints as well as the tendency of some groups or individuals to take on every available challenge in order to seize the attention of the next available donor, or to benefit from a photo opportunity.

THE BUILDING OF A FACILITY WITH ALL THE TRAPPINGS OF A ONE STOP CONVENIENT SOCIAL SECURITY STORE WILL NOT SIMPLY DRAW THE MASSES IN, PROSTRATING ON THE ALTER OF GRATITUDE. The people are not automated machines that merely accept programmes and respond according to our mathematical calculations or theoretical projections. They are social beings living with a myriad of personal challenges, opinions, motives and priorities. People will respond to a new thrust and will be energized to give new interventions a chance. But people will also continue with their life as usual, because many interventions were never designed to address the deep rooted issues that they will have to continue living with, as usual; because the REASONS for most of the problems people face are left hanging – not fully examined nor dealt with. For example, what is the reason for a young don to enjoy popularity among residents? What is the reason for the continued easy access to guns in our general society? What is the reason for borders and zones? Once the REASONS remain, whether they result from social exclusion, or deliberate social and political engineering, success will always be virtually unattainable or achieved merely in bouts. Bouts of six moths, twelve or twenty four months without “recorded” murders or shootings. BUT THE PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS THAT NECESSITATE EXPRESSIONS OF SOCIAL DISSENT OR DEVIANCE REMAIN.

No citizen that I have engaged with in the past five and a half years during my tenure at the Stella Maris Foundation ever told me that they believe the project would solve all the problems of Grants Pen. They, as I did, felt it would play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of the problems and provide an important opportunity to build on existing positives. They know, but may not be able to articulate, that deep systemic issues transcend a physical facility – they know that when all is said and done, many will have to find the night’s rest in a crowded room on a zinc fenced gully bank or a one-room shack in a big yard. Many of them know that when all is said and done, THOUGH THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR THE GOOD THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING, GUNS REMAIN AMONG THEIR MIDST AND “ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN” AT ANYTIME. THEY ALSO KNOW THAT INSTEAD OF THE FANCY PROJECT PROPOSALS, REPETITIVE RESEARCHES AND ANALYSIS, IT IS THE SUSTAINED SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS, COUPLED WITH SERIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL ADDRESS THE DEEPER SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES. Interventions like:

i. Skills Training

ii. Job Creation and micro-enterprises

iii. Counseling & Mentorship

iv. Capacity Building/Leadership Training/Mentorship

v. Active CBOs (Youth Clubs, Sports Clubs etc.) with sustained activities – Sporting Competitions etc.

vi. Strengthening and continuity of entities and initiatives like the Stella Maris Foundation; Ministers’ Fraternal; Barbican/Grants Pen Uplifment Movement Benevolent Society; Special Projects for unattached males coordinated by personalities like Betty Ann Blaine; community organizers like Donovan Corcho; volunteers and leaders like Rose Marie Francis and many residents and groups that are too many to mention.

In my over five years working in the Grants Pen area, no project or intervention has had far reaching resonance without being accompanied by impact activities such as mentorship and sports – especially the latter, which informs a sense of achievement, purpose, and participatory involvement/ownership through cross-border interaction. Sports also serves a therapeutic function. Hence, the marked changes witnessed in the implementation of the Community Policing Project, while attributed to the already pioneering work of the Stella Maris Foundation and other CBOs; the collaborative work/support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), the Private Sector, the high level unprecedented involvement of Political representatives and local CBOs – must be seen in the context of specific activities that were taking place amid the noise and haste. These included the increased initiatives that brought members of the community, simply, physically and visually together – especially sports.

Further, of key importance is the one to one contact with people. The follow through; the personal touch with someone in whose life you can make a difference, cannot be underestimated. With all that we do - all the theoretical approaches - all the meetings etc., without the discipline builders, the border breakers, the sustained activities that increase inter-community involvement, with the police personnel participating in community-based activities; with people working together on realistic and easily attainable tasks (EATS); with people in touch with people to encourage and motivate people who have not had that kind of an interaction throughout their lives - not just for two years, but a structure that can be sustained and remain perpetual.

It will be useful to mention here, that during the implementation of the project, the Stella Maris Foundation hosted a massive Football tournament that witnessed at least two hundred young men taking part – young men whose presence on the field of play translated into young men who went home to rest and refresh themselves, developing a habit of preparation and planning for the next phase of their lives. The competitions were sponsored by the USAID. Sustained initiatives like those that help to foster teamwork and social skills need to be revisited and funded. These are some of the activities that did not continue after the project ended which lead to resurgence in levels of unrest and a view by some residents that nothing tangible had resulted.

I must re-state that it is disingenuous to suggest that the model cannot be replicated, since no major player had documented or confirmed an intent to replicate the actual model as it exists, in totality, in the identical form in Grants Pen. WHAT CAN BE REPLICATED IS THE COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT, THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE ORDINARY CITIZEN AND OF COURSE, the philosophy of Community Policing that already forms a core part of the philosophy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Policing Methodology.

Finally, we must decide what our specific targets are and agree to a specified time within which to achieve them. Even more importantly, we must tie our targets strategically to our resources, both human and financial, so that it is absolutely clear who will execute what, and what resources will be necessary to carry out the desired targets. We must also remember that trust is fragile - trust that was already non existent or at best unstable, cannot be restored by a two-year project. Even the Stella Maris Foundation that has a track record of service for over ten years cannot take for granted this priceless fact. IT TAKES YEARS TO BUILD TRUST, AND IN AN INSTANT IT CAN BE ERODED - with one omission or commission. I love my country and believe in its greatness, but I have serious concerns with its ills. I fear that we will continue to fail, if we fail to set realistic, clear and honest targets. We cannot truly speak about failure or success of any initiative without clearly defining and agreeing to targets, from the onset, not along the way or at the end of a process.

In part two of this document, I will outline what further goals, objectives that can be reasonable built upon. I will also summarize specific targets that were achieved notwithstanding specific shortcomings that are yet to be overcome. Finally, I will expand a bit more on “THIS BUSINESS OF CRIME”.

Omar C. Frith: General Manager, Stella Maris Foundation – hekau.amen@gmail.com
& Chief Executive Officer, TRANSCON – frith.inc@gmail.com