JAMAICA | PNP Senator Peter Bunting blasts "government’s bankrupt Ideas" in crime fighting

KINGSTON, Jamaica, December 23, 2023 - Opposition Senator Peter Bunting has delivered a scathing critique of the Jamaica Labour Party Government's approach to national security, in a compelling address during the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate on Thursday.

Bunting, who once oversaw the nation's security portfolio, pointed to the escalating murder rates as a stark indicator of the government's failing strategies in combating crime.

Senator Bunting's remarks painted a grim picture of the current crime situation in Jamaica. He lambasted the Administration for what he termed a "bankruptcy of ideas," particularly criticizing the excessive use of states of public emergency (SOEs) to manage the nation's crime woes. 

According to Bunting, despite recent claims by the Government and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) of a reduction in murders, public perception remains skeptical, as daily media reports continue to detail disturbing incidents of violence, including multiple murders in quick succession.

Bunting highlighted several recent harrowing incidents, underscoring the severity of the situation. These included the tragic murder of a young student from Anchovy High School, the killing of a well-known businessman in Darliston, and the double murder of siblings in Westmoreland. 

These incidents, occurring within SOE-designated parishes, underscored the ineffectiveness of the current administration's heavy reliance on emergency measures.

The chilling accounts of violence extend beyond these individual tragedies. Bunting pointed to a worrying trend, where even as the government and security forces celebrate a perceived reduction in murder rates, the nation is rocked by a spate of brutal killings. 

He cited a specific instance where, following the announcement of additional SOEs, at least 21 murders were reported in just a few days, mostly in areas under these emergency measures.

Senator Bunting did not just criticize the current strategy but also provided a comparative statistical analysis to bolster his argument. 

He revealed that during the tenure of his administration, from 2012 to 2016, the average number of murders stood at 1,129 annually. While acknowledging this figure as high, he emphasized the multi-faceted approach his government had taken to tackle crime, which saw the lowest average murder rate in two decades. 

In stark contrast, the period from 2016 to 2023 under the JLP government saw an average annual murder count of 1,416, marking a significant 25% increase. Bunting highlighted this as a clear indication of the current government's failure in effectively addressing the nation's most pressing issue.

Reflecting on his term, Bunting emphasized the holistic approach his administration had adopted towards crime prevention. He cited initiatives like the 'Unite for Change' program, aimed at combining crime control with social investment and community engagement. 

In a critical comparison, he lamented the current government's abandonment of such crime prevention initiatives, condemning the shift towards what he termed as "the militarisation of policing." According to Bunting, this singular focus on forceful measures, like the recurrent use of SOEs, had not only failed to address the root causes of crime but had also exacerbated the situation.

The Opposition Senator's address in the Senate was not merely a critique but also a call for a strategic reevaluation of Jamaica's approach to crime and violence. 

He underscored the need to revisit and reinvest in community-based initiatives and social interventions that had shown promise during his tenure. 

Bunting's comparison of the different administrative approaches served as a stark reminder of the complex nature of crime prevention and the limitations of relying solely on emergency measures and militarized responses.

In his concluding remarks, Senator Bunting stressed the importance of accountability and good governance in addressing the scourge of violent crime. He emphasized that turning a blind eye to the current administration's shortcomings does a disservice to the victims of crime and the wider Jamaican society. 

His impassioned plea was for a return to a more balanced and comprehensive strategy, one that goes beyond mere suppression tactics and looks towards long-term solutions that address the underlying causes of criminal activity.

As Jamaica grapples with its ongoing battle against crime, the words of Senator Bunting resonate with a call for change — a change not just in policies but in the very mindset with which the nation confronts its most pressing challenges. 

The senator's critique and suggestions set the stage for a broader national dialogue on effective crime prevention strategies, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders in the quest for a safer and more secure Jamaica.