Dear Editor,

The current state of affairs in the country demands the application of requisite anti-crime measures. It was appropriate for the prime minister, though wounded, to highlight in his mea culpa address to the nation that he will lead a renewed push for anti-crime legislation. The minister of national security has added his voice to the calls for tougher measures to deal with the crime problem. His current idea is to pass anti-gang legislation.

We have developed an insidious habit of proposing new laws and legislation to deal with emerging crises and problems. Indeed, legislation is key to effective governance, but in so many areas of public life in Jamaica, even with the long list of antiquated laws that remain on the statue books, we have enough laws that if vigorously prosecuted, could at least provide partial relief to many of our urgent challenges.

We do not need a new law to address the crime problem. We already have the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA) and their companion regulations. These laws provide for us to deal with money laundering, tax evasion, extortion, loan sharking, racketeering, organised crime and terrorism! The TPA clearly relates to high-order crimes such as contract killing and wanton mayhem perpetuated on hapless communities. The TPA defines terrorism offences, terrorist activity and terrorist groups in a way that fits hand in glove with the criminality manifest in Jamaica today.

These are not new ideas as they have been articulated before. Where is the political and administrative will to effectively and aggressively prosecute the POCA and the TPA? Can we not now summon the courage and find the political will to act?

The government can appoint an independent task force of committed and dedicated advocates, fearless prosecutors, impartial judges, skilled accountants, talented bankers, experienced government tax administrators and other allied experts who can advise on how to legally and appropriately apply tax records, public filings with state agencies (for example, new building permits, awarded contracts, amusement licences, et al) to come up with a Jamaican risk-based approach to go after the backbone that supports crime and corruption. Start by following the money and the trail of influence peddling.

But until we can get around to passing the pending crime bills, until we adopt US RICO type statutes and anti-gang legislation, how about enforcing the laws that are already on the books and putting the full force of the law and legal intelligence to work unfettered by political interference?

Christopher Pryce

christopherjmpryce@yahoo.com