Have Your Say
JAM | Dec 3, 2022

Is World Cup viewing a blessing for Jamaica’s crime problem?

Al Edwards

Al Edwards / Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson leads a high-ranking team on a crime scene in Cocoa Piece, Clarendon after five persons, a mother and her four children, were killed in the early hours of Tuesday, June 21, 2022. (Photo: Facebook @JamaicaConstabularyForce)

Crime, murder and violence have engulfed Jamaica with the Government at its wits end as to how to address the problem.

With around 1,400 murders to date this year, the rate is up nine per cent on last year, making Jamaica one of the leading countries for murder in the world – a distinction it could do without.

Some say it is the culture, others a generation impatient for quick riches who place little value on education. Then there are those who lay the blame on poverty and illiteracy.

These are all symptomatic of a failed state.

Crime and violence are the most pressing issues for the Government.

But over the last two weeks, there has been a fall-off in dastardly crimes. 

Why?

Some deduce that the World Cup –  and it has been particularly exciting this year – has all the gunmen and criminals putting their feet up watching the matches on television.

The timing of the opening round of games has also helped. With games starting as early as 5 am and going on throughout the day, all the gunmen are tucked away watching football. Maybe Andrew Holness should send a thank you letter to Qatar!

Both Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Antony Anderson have come under intense criticism for the lawlessness plaguing the country. The finger can’t be pointed at just them but they can breathe a sigh of relief until December 19.

Minister of National Secuirty, Dr Horace Chang.

Chang has always maintained that a three-pronged strategy is needed – one that addresses immediate needs, then the medium and long term.

The World Cup has always galvanised all four corners of the Earth and this year it has been riveting with plenty of upsets making for compelling viewing. 

It was a coup when CVM secured the rights to broadcast it and the nation is enjoying the football festival – even the hardened criminals.

What happens from the 19th of December and during the Christmas season? Last year saw the festive season turn into a bloodbath with some grizzly murders.

If football can put the brakes on Jamaica’s murder rate, what can the Government do?

Many will say the states of emergency are the answer, but that is just a short-term fix. 

Opposition spokesperson on National Security Peter Bunting.

It would be interesting to compare the number of murders committed during the last two Olympics with numbers during the World Cups.

Opposition spokesperson on National Security Peter Bunting also sees the World Cup’s impact on reducing violent crimes.

Speaking in Parliament, he said: “They had states of emergencies in 2018, 2019, 2020 and every one of those years murders were significantly higher than any year between 2012 and 2015 when there was no state of emergency.

“It is very convenient for them. If you go back three to four World Cup periods, we always have substantial declines in violent crimes.”

Opposition spokesperson on National Security Peter Bunting

“Somehow, they still continue this falsehood that states of emergencies work, even when you have no statistical evidence. In the last two weeks, murders have not just gone down in parishes with no states of emergency, which suggests that whatever is causing the impact is national and not restricted to the areas where they are having states of emergency.

“It is very convenient for them. If you go back three to four World Cup periods, we always have substantial declines in violent crimes.”

This World Cup has been fantastic, with some scintillating football. Let’s not make crime a political football in Jamaica.

– Send feedback to [email protected]

Comments

What To Read Next