In the face of the recent heinous act of violence that claimed the lives of eight Jamaicans and left nine others injured, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake's latest ‘Commissioner's Corner’ resonates as both a rallying cry and a sobering reflection on the state of our society.
His words encapsulate the resolve of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to confront the rising tide of brutality with unwavering determination, while also challenging the dangerous narratives that seek to absolve the perpetrators of their responsibility.
A Brutal Wake-Up Call
The massacre of seventeen citizens at a community event is a stark reminder of the depths to which criminal elements in Jamaica have sunk. Commissioner Blake does not mince words when he addresses the JCF: "While we have always been making the point that criminals are not our friends and we make no apology to pursue them wherever they hide, we must be even more strident in the face of this brutal act of cowardice and terrorism." This is not just a call to action but a declaration of intent—a clear message to the criminals that they now have the full and undivided attention of the JCF.
In a poignant recounting of a conversation with a friend, the Commissioner highlights a troubling tendency to deflect blame from the criminals themselves. "A friend sent me a message via WhatsApp expressing grief and shock and immediately began to blame the incident on the parents of the victims... While I understood the angle from where my friend came, I hastily made the assertion that it is this type of thinking that helps to keep us where we are today."
This deflection is symptomatic of a broader societal issue where the focus shifts away from the true culprits—the murderers who have made ordinary Jamaicans prisoners in their own homes.
Rejecting Dangerous Narratives
Commissioner Blake takes aim at the misguided empathy that often surrounds discussions of crime in Jamaica. He anticipates the familiar arguments that will inevitably surface—arguments that paint these criminals as ‘troubled unfortunate youths’ marginalized by the state, and somehow shift the blame onto law enforcement for not preventing their descent into violence. "Mark my words, these will be some of the elements of the discourses in sympathy and empathy not for the victims but for these elements of evil." These narratives, while few in number, are loud and pervasive, often overshadowing the voices of the true victims and their communities.
The Commissioner makes it clear that the JCF's focus is not on these misleading narratives but on the task at hand: bringing the perpetrators to justice. "Colleagues, these explanations are not our concern, nor are they the substance of our focus. It is our job to go after murderers and let them proffer their explanations in court." This is a critical stance, as it underscores the importance of holding criminals accountable and refusing to allow them to be framed as victims of circumstance.
A Call to Arms for the JCF
The majority of Jamaicans, as Commissioner Blake rightly notes, have had enough. They are relying on the JCF to combat this evil and restore peace to their communities. "This majority is depending on us, the security forces, to combat this evil and restore peace in our communities." The JCF's mission is clear: to rid communities of criminals and criminal gangs, while remaining focused, relentless, and resilient in this pursuit.
However, the Commissioner also emphasizes the need for precision in their efforts. "While we remain focused on our mission, let us always remember that there are but a few in the communities who are major threats to the communities’ peace and security. It means we need to know who they are, selectively target them within the ambit of the law while winning the hearts and minds of the law-abiding citizens in the communities." This strategy—of isolating the criminals while building trust with the law-abiding—underscores the delicate balance the JCF must maintain.
Building Trust and Legitimacy
The Commissioner’s message is clear: the success of the JCF’s efforts hinges on the support and legitimacy granted by the communities they serve. "Our communities must see us as part of their social support structure. And so, our behaviour and attitude towards those who we serve must demonstrate that understanding." This recognition of the JCF's role as both protectors and partners in community welfare is crucial. The goodwill that the JCF currently enjoys must be handled with care, as anything less would undermine their mission.
"Protecting our communities means standing together against all threats to peace and security. And that is why our greatest strength lies in our unity; by working together we can protect what we cherish most," Commissioner Blake asserts. This unity—between the JCF and the communities they serve—is the bedrock of their shared responsibility to ensure safety and justice.
Commissioner Blake’s reflections in this week’s ‘Commissioner's Corner’ are a clarion call for the JCF to intensify their efforts in the face of unrelenting violence. His words remind us that while the battle against crime is complex and multifaceted, it is also one that must be fought with clarity of purpose and moral resolve. The JCF’s mission is not just to enforce the law but to restore a sense of peace and normalcy to communities that have been terrorized for far too long.
As the JCF continues its work, it must do so with the full support of the Jamaican people, who are depending on them to reclaim their communities from the clutches of criminality. Commissioner Blake’s message is a powerful reminder that while the challenges are great, the resolve of the JCF—and the spirit of the Jamaican people—are greater still. Together, they can ensure that justice prevails and that Jamaica’s communities remain safe havens for all.