The army is vital
Dear Editor,
I read Noel Dawkins’ letter, “PM Golding, make tough decisions”, in the June 4 Observer. The letter gave ideas about dismantling garrisons. While I agree with some parts, the suggestion that the army is wasted and ought to be dismantled was seriously flawed. It is a fact that education, as Mr Dawkins suggested, is a catalyst for change. But education alone won’t work, and there’s certainly no need to use the JDF as a scapegoat for failed government tactics and policies. Those who have ever visited army training camps around the island will concur. In fact, if it weren’t for the army, even the recent Tivoli invasion would not have been quite as successful. Some of these soldiers, including those in command, are very well educated, well trained (many trained overseas), and they lead the army in ways not only to defend, but to provide other vital services when needed. Most civilised countries of any decent population size, as far as
I know, manage to maintain both an army and a police force. There is a purpose for both.
The army is also supportive in so many areas, even disaster preparedness, because of the vast and varied skills which exist on the bases. They played a key part in the Jamaica-Haiti support, that is, the quick response after the earthquake. They have the infrastructure, including an airwing which is another vital resource in these operations. Don’t forget that they are also a key employer of many young men and women. They are an excellent skills training sector with many departments which make them self-sufficient. The army is also a great place to learn and develop self-discipline and national pride. Rarely do you find soldiers, unlike the police, embarking on paths of crime while they actively serve, or even after leaving the force. I think there is a place and purpose for both the JDF and JCF.
I entirely agree that there should be massive investment in education as a useful tool to fight crime, not just in academia, but other special skills.They should also push for developing an education programme in culture and sports, areas we seem to excel in naturally. All this can help reduce crime, along with better policing in garrison areas, and some investment in the areas to reverse the decay. These garrisons are like a rotting tooth. They must be fixed immediately to stop the decay and then nurtured to maintain general good health of the area; otherwise it will be the same old, same old, causing the same old problems.
I think the government has to find innovative ways to bring hopeless young people back into the system, so they can develop useful skills which they can build on, to give hope and a sense of purpose. Education is just one part of it, however to suggest government is throwing away donor money to help these garrisons is also absurd. You really need to tackle the problem from many angles, and this includes investing in the areas to improve social and economic development. Residents in these areas must be encouraged to feel that they actually belong, and not constantly feel isolated, hopeless, overlooked or marginalised.
P Chin
Canada
chin_p@yahoo.com