To help dismantle the surging in crime and violence in Jamaica seen in ways as never seen before, a group of highly skilled crime stoppers have galvanized and formed a team called, The Jamaica Diaspora Intervention and Prevention Task Force. The group members are all Jamaicans coming together from across the globe with the expertise and professionalism in law, criminology, the military, social services, justice, psychology, correction, technology, education and the diplomatic corp.
At the helm of the 30-member group is Retired Army Captain of the Jamaica Defense Force, Dr. Rupert Francis, now a criminologist and educator. In a meeting held on Sunday, Jan. 22 by the group, Dr. Francis emphasized the necessity and importance to uphold this multifaceted team, “we have to establish cells of people to merge and find solutions, a team which has an understanding of the research and resources needed.” In making his remarks, Captain Francis said, tangible results are needed to provide the best results the task force could get. Members of the group are also conducting comprehensive studies on schools and communities, he noted, which for decades have had high crime rates and that there was a need to activate plans to eliminate the problems.
The group has already developed “Fact Finding Mission” plans. In addition, several steps have been taken by group members to identify resolutions to help with the court system, the young people and the underemployed. The group will also address the issue of tax evasion. A situation that long restricts government revenues, group members noted.
A member of the team, Florida-based attorney, Wayne Golding has already identified areas where his support is needed most, and he has been helping the courts in Jamaica in case management, back logs and helping to identify some areas of inefficiencies in the system. Golding stated also that “conviction rate is low,” in Jamaica so the court system must be effective as the citizens need to have confidence in the justice system.
Captain Francis in continuing his presentation called for more support from the Diaspora and reminded members that crime is a deterrent to development. “We have to prepare our young people and show them that this is not a way of life for them,” he said.
Dr. Francis expressed the situation as gratifying to the citizenry in Jamaica and the Diaspora and noted that strong endorsement has come from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Security, The Jamaica Defense Force, The Police Department, the private sector and other appropriate agencies.
The crime fighting task force will convene again soon to present some of its findings to the appropriate government defense agencies in Jamaica.
