Gang violence has long been a cause for concern among law enforcement and law abiding citizens of Jamaica.
The lead story of the Monday STAR's further highlighted the need for a strong plan to tackle the problem. According to the article warring gangs from Cassava Piece and Glen Drive have created death list with names of persons who they want dead from each side.
However, so far since the gangs have began fighting last year September, mostly residents not on the lists have been the causalities.
Residents' role
Residents in these communities, who feel the effects of this ongoing violence, have a role to play in making their communities safe and violence free. They know the gunmen, yet they continue to sit down while they murder their relatives and friends.
Clearly it is time for them to speak out boldly against the violence in their community. Of course, we understand that they are fearful of being killed by these gunmen, but they should consider the alternative.
If they do not speak they are still likely to be killed and the violence will continue. However if they all decide to speak against the violence and give up the gunmen, then the community will eventually be rid of them and even if they die, they would have died for a good cause.
If peace is to return to these communities, some people will have to take the risk and speak. The question is would they prefer to die silently and leave their children to continue to suffer the effects of the violence or speak out and save their community from a hopeless future.
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