Bad examples lead to criminal behaviour
Dear Editor,
Oh what a web we weave when the examples we set bear fruit. Jamaica’s problems are a direct result of examples set by those who could have put our country and our people first, but chose to put power and greed above all. Now that the chickens have come home to roost and the seeds that were planted have become our reality, we all now cry woe. The people are our greatest assets but because of our leaders’ inability to see this, or because of their disdain, the people have become our greatest liability. Crime has affected everyone in this country, and for some to cope they become numb with denial.
The drum is leaking more and more every day. As fast as we patch some holes others appear. Who would want to invest in this atmosphere of uncertainty and decay? Some who have positions of influence are trying their best to plant fresh seeds, but the weeds are thick and overgrown. The police are overwhelmed by a surfeit of crimes related to a deep-seated psychological behaviour stemming from poor education mixed with arrogance, ignorance and a “psycho-entitlement”. The large number of break-ins and robberies are evidence of this. Wrongdoers behave like unruly children who can’t control their passions and emotions. Seeing something they want that they cannot plan and work to acquire, they plan and connive to rob and steal.
This phenomenon has become epidemic in our country. Every parish, every town, every district is being overrun by this scourge. Homes, businesses, schools and even churches are prime targets for a culture of vultures that have no integrity, much less decency. The seeds of bad behaviour have germinated and grown into this culture that coexists and breeds within depressed communities. Everyone knows who these criminals are, but most in the communities are afraid while others are enablers. Then there are the people who buy the victims’ sweat and tears. Until we all do what is right, we will continue to reap what we sow and sink deeper into the abyss we create.
Nam Singh
Namsingh7@hotmail.com