Published: August 27, 1999
Prime Minister tells Diaspora
"Take leadership in fight against crime and violence"
By Al McFarlane
Black Publishers Coalition
The Right Honorable Percival J. Patterson, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Jamaica last week challenged Black people everywhere to understand that criminal elements within our own communities have declared war on our own people. "Either we lay down, or we declare war, Patterson said. " Only one side can win. We cannot afford to lose."
Al McFarlane, president of the Insight News Group, chatted with Jamaica Prime Minister Rt. Hon. P.J. Patterson in Ocho Rios, Jamaica last week. Patterson addressed the annual meeting of National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) where McFarlane represented Jamaica Minnesota Organization (JMO).
The Prime Minister spoke to a select group of Jamaican American leaders last week at the annual conference of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) which met at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. NAJASO delegates represented Jamaican American communities from throughout the United States and some from Canada and England.
Though Patterson's remarks were specific to the experience of Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, the universal applications of his analyses and his prescriptions afforded a rare glimpse into what could be the germinal stage of global strategies to protect and project fundamental values of African heritage and culture.
Patterson did not equivocate in demanding removal of illegal weapons, and the dismantling of the illegal drug trade. "I have given clear instructions to the army and police about guns – ‘Stop illegal guns and ammunition from coming into the country.' I told them, ‘You cannot return to the barracks until the criminals are captured.' We have to get the public involved. That includes the press, schools, families," he said.
Jamaica's head of state explained that crime and violence adversely affect every individual and our people as a whole, in one way or another. He said in Jamaica, domestic violence is at an all time high. The escalating violence also means our people will "suffer from a tarnished image" throughout the world. Crime and violence affect the investment process and make it more difficult to maintain and expand tourism. And while some crime and violence indicators show decreases over last year, the rate of decrease is not fast or dramatic enough, Patterson said.
Patterson praised the many contributions Jamaicans at home and abroad continue to make to the world, often without due recognition. He said Jamaican culture, though music and through the attitude of industriousness has earned respect throughout the world.
He said NAJASO members, many of whom left Jamaica as young men and women to earn a better living in the US, Canada or England, with the intention of returning someday with skills and capital, should not feel guilty for not having returned as yet. "You should feel you can play an exciting role in nation building. Modern telecommunications, the internet, opens a broad range of opportunities. A new paradigm is at hand and NAJASO should be part of it," he said. He encouraged all NAJASO members to create electronic newsletters or websites, linked to each other and linked to government and non-government organizations sites in Jamaica.
Patterson said he would soon announce a promotion called "the Great Jamaican Homecoming," a special Diaspora wide initiative to reconnect the Jamaican family.
Patterson said Jamaicans abroad, and our community at large to "work with leaders of good will to help roll back the tide of indiscipline" in our communities. He encouraged NAJASO members to be part of the solution by recognizing their vital interest in stemming the tide of crime and violence, by not participating in rumor mongering that denigrate the national culture, and by making their voice be heard as celebrants of Jamaica's rich culture. "Let the world know Jamaicans are decent law abiding citizens. Lobby and use your influence. Protect your country and your reputation."
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