Commentary

Violence becoming a part of our life

LAST FRIDAY, THE WEEKEND STAR published a story about gang war in the rural town of Falmouth.

In the story, we were told about attempts at extortion as well as deaths as a result of gang violence.

Gang violence unfortunately has become a part of our every day lives. In Kingston, Spanish Town, Portmore and sections of Montego Bay it is now normal to hear of rival gangs killing each other in the name of reprisals.

It is sad though that gang warfare and crime is no longer unique to urban areas of Jamaica. It is tragic that the once quiet town of Falmouth has been transformed into a battleground because of a few youngsters.

In spite of the blood letting which has resulted in 11 lives being lost, we can at least say that there has been an attempt by the police to bring the situation under control. They have done so by making arrests as well as trying to stamp out the threat of extortion.

However, as is always the case whenever it comes to crime more can be done as is shown in the story where residents of one community have partially blocked the roads to reduce the risk of drive-by shootings.

In the end though, ridding Falmouth of crime will ultimately fall on the shoulders of the citizens. As, the solution to crime begins and ends with citizen participation.