By DR Miller

The island of Jamaica both pre-and post-emancipation, according to many scholars.

These rebellions cover a range of issues from right to vote, political representation, basic education, property and even racism to free slaves who simply wanted to be left alone in the early to mid-1800s to calibrate, or working class having a good time.

The Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865 was a major turning point between law enforcement and civilian relationships.

Those arrests by the police to quell disturbances and later convictions caused many Jamaican to develop a dislike of the police.

Jamaican Constabulary Force has since seen its officers, courthouses and police stations across the island attacked.

Today, it seems that law enforcement has been unable to fight off insults and resentment from the old wounds.

Today, a fight to gain social control is ongoing in a system that is riddled with criminals, debt and underdevelopment as most scholars have noted, except that, today, lethal weapons are now in the hands of criminals and law enforcement is outgunned.

In late 2017, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his public safety team declared a “Zone Strategy” to dismantle havens that harbour criminals and where an increasing murder rate has gone unresolved for decades.

According to local news reports, the operation identified high “criminal zones” to rid communities of violence (thugs) who often cause spike in murder, carrying out retaliation and fighting over territory with no regard for human lives and the rule of law.

Despite some support, few argued that law enforcement officers would aggressively lock up and kill the wrong people.

Combating crime is a contentious issue and this epidemic in Jamaica illustrates a pattern that is a delicate balance between politics and crime that has split some civilians against law enforcement.

Jamaica is not alone, other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America are facing this struggle, reports have shown.

“These targeted communities will be re-infected after officers leave that zone,” one argued.

Others choose to remain silent in fear of being classified as a snitch and later targeted.

Crime and social change will not come through legislation alone, nor after the camera has left.

Sadly, crime has contributed to high unemployment, and has created a wide gap between the rich and poor even to those who condemned the atrocities.

Today’s tremulous relationships are self-inflicted from distrust, unwarranted police killings, abuse of power, and lack of accountability, internal corruption, unanswered questions by several victims.

Law enforcement marriage in Jamaica is like walking on a high rope over a cliff without a safety net where fear, respect, hate, love, distrust, trust, overworked, under-appreciated even to qualification for leadership is a constant debate by many.

Although these relationships are rocky, law enforcement is the lifeline of these communities, and the country needs them.

They navigate between a banana peel, hopping pockets of stagnant water in 100-plus degree weather, overworked, underpaid while deterring crime and helping victims of crimes.

I do not have any data on what is the crime rate since the operation; success or failure.

I simply wanted to check back on the prime minister’s approach in 2017 to see what has changed since recent reports surfaced on how many more Jamaicans will die in 2018 from the number of deaths in early 2018 that has a trajectory for over 1,000 this year.

Most importantly, far too often, critical issues can quickly wash out to the sea like the roaring ocean while debris remains like squalid settlements.

This is not a time for blame game by few local officials.

While reform is necessary, the elephant is still in the room:

The high turnover rate of commissioners is problematic, and far too often stymies crime fighting strategies that are already in place.

The opposing party, despite their previous power, seems to have found reasons to dissent and not collaborate due to political ideology and indirectly they too are victims.

The police commissioner’s role in Jamaica, and to a broader extent in the Caribbean, is complicated.

They are tasked to solve crime woven in chronic poverty and politics, with a lack of resources and where violence is an ongoing systematic hurricane and no one, despite good intentions, has full support.

When criminals are being tipped off in advance of operations, who do you trust?

Both the community and few local officers off the record often have close ties to well-connected criminals and that alone complicates justice.

Can the prime minister get it done with these constraints?

Does Jamaica need a military?

Maybe merging these institutions can be a cost saving measure in shoring up the police force?

Jamaica does not have a border problem with any neighbouring countries.

It could learn from Costa Rica, which eliminated its military in the late 1940s and invested resources into education, public safety and public health.

Today, many economic scholars have written about a positive return from that strategy.

These communities should begin to speak up and stop treating lawless criminals who have exploited communities like heroes, or Robin Hood as depicted, “rob the rich and give to the poor.”

Zone strategy targeting high-crime areas is not a new concept in policing. Several armed forces have used targeted operations to end criminal enterprises.

Sure, it will not create more jobs the next day, lower taxes, or build better roads in one operation.

The fact remains, the nation is one of the most dangerous parts in this hemisphere.

The erosion of public safety is an economic issue if visitors begin to stay away from these communities in what is now a service economy.

If these crime-riddled headlines continue, no other positive international promotion will drive visitors to these shores.

Not even its favorite son, Usain Bolt, can run fast enough to attract potential visitors.

In fact, most of its famous and successful people do not live in Jamaica full-time and no one has declared if it is fear or a simple business decision.

Fortunately, beneath the rubble, a majority of Jamaicans are law-abiding citizens as in any other place.

But pockets of thugs, drugs and, high homicide rates, coupled with a dense future for many youths leaving schools, talk shows alone, twitter posts, photo-ops by leaders or selected town halls meetings cannot fix the problem.

If a high school dropout, unemployed, drives the latest motor vehicle, no trace of inherent income, lives in the most exclusive neighbourhood, 20-year-old Jimmy most feared on the block remains untouchable despite evidence of wrongdoing.

What message does that send?

Who is the voice for a high school girl sexually exploited, raped, or even killed for not complying with criminal demands and her family must stay silent because of fear.

What next: Local road blockades from criminal charging their own tolls?

With a stagnant economy, coupled with a vast mentality of denials, I am not sure who can fix this tumour alone.

Today, I wonder if it is time for a woman to lead Jamaica’s law enforcement community.

Jamaica Observer reported that only two women were fortunate to be named to the second highest position as acting commissioner.

In 2014, Novelette Grant was promoted to acting commissioner, and from the reports was instrumental in these latest operations.

This nation is one of a few Caribbean nations that have elected a woman prime minister, Portia Simpson-Miller.

Despite the struggle of balancing gender, poverty, justice, corruption, and other barriers, she too has tried.

Several good intentions seem to have died under political strife and what I call the “colour of sabotage”.

The success or failure of implementing a strategy should not be about what party the appointees came from to lead.

Any mission to curb violence and lower the chance of becoming a victim is a good start and especially for those with deep roots outside the tourist protected zones.

Sure, some of us do not give a damn from the outside, and thank you in advance for telling us to “butt out” since we have our own crime issues.

However, it is not about location, or ideology, but safer communities, good economics and standard of living:

It appears that the Jamaica Constabulary Force operates under an old era in police history concepts according to experts.

The Political Era (1900-1940), where officers were tied to the political machine, less transparent, selectively reporting crimes, providing protection for influential groups and that often resulted in corruption and distrust.

Community Policing Era (1970 to present), which focuses on connecting all stakeholders, embracing other roles; including counselors and social worker as many criminal justice institutions have noted, this concept should be embraced or enforced to a broader extent.

Maybe if these high crime communities begin to select their own safety officials, rather than political appointments, this could create a smoother ride from the ongoing turbulent relationships.

By Derrick Miller

Rape, unwanted sexual advance, assault, and even pedophiliac actions should no longer be an option to speak up against. These victims needs your support, and an action plan, as the region needs more women to come forward and get their stories told.

I could have posted the above statement on social media, check back to see how many likes, or re-tweets, sit back and feel good that my work is done.

But who will listen to her story that, during her local doctor’s visit for her annual checkup, inappropriately touched and complemented on her underwear, while alone in his office as her medical issues seemed less important.

He is well-known, who dares to talk, as he is the only person with access to much needed painkillers.

Whom do you report that incident to along these shores?

The other sexually assaulted, threatened to talk, she was given a check to stay quiet.

Later she was told to give it back and prove the incident.

Fired in her only job in her late 50s, unable to find work as potential employers hesitant to hire someone who filed these claims.

Another is now age 16, pregnant and dropped out of school: Her baby father is the powerful man down the road, the community blames her for being promiscuous, but who will listen if she called it rape?

We must start believing and supporting women, not because of their socio-economic status, and those aligned with our religious or political ideology.

When these women come forward, not only their career can be damaged, as they are often re-victimized and stigmatized.

It is our responsibility from human resources, local authorities, supervisors, and the community that, when they speak up about these dark experiences, it is treated as an unlawful case.

Sexual assault is beyond the movies and in politics; it is at the local church, grocery store, homes, and street corner.

One of my favorite pastimes is stopping along Caribbean hillsides, valleys, and coastlines. It is a treasured moment to stay connected with part of my roots, eating, and chatting with people while tuning into the local news media to get an authentic view of what is going on in these communities.

I often ask myself, “Am I in another country?” as it seems several locally important issues being discussed are often overlooked, driven by the sensationalism of global new.

I am not implying that there is a declining standard, and no coverage has taken place.

Today as it appears that society’s compulsive urge has created a detachment. And topics surrounding sexuality remain a delicate balance for many women in the region.

In fact, socially, culturally, and economically many of these global events have little or no impact on local structural problems.

Although being critical sometimes of these communities’ media abandonment as they balance topics in line with their essential point, or business as it fights for virtual space; today I wish more local news outlets would have adapted a wider stance of this international story because it is a local issue that seems to disappear as fast as it becomes known.

It is the story of women who came forward and spoke up about their experience of improper and inappropriate widespread sexual advances, harassment, and even rape by powerful men and even pedophiles.

We have seen several television shows cancelled and apologies from TV personalities, executives and a host of other networks announcing million-dollar settlements of harassment cases in the US.

This wave is far-reaching, and a 24-hour cycle or likes on social media cannot resolve it.

As I watched and tuned in to several Caribbean media, this story seems muted by many outlets that I believe could have an impact:

I get it: some rather leave it alone because of their potential local domino effect.

Especially for young girls being targeted, their stories whether in work, an educational setting, who have experienced rape, other violence, and disgusting abuses of power need to be told.

Studies have shown that every 95 seconds a woman is either raped or abused.

As more women begin to come forward, the next generation that is still searching for equality and representation will have a voice addressing sexual misconduct.

Few along these shores and elsewhere have the courage like Jamaican born actor and singer Grace Jones.

She told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that when she was much younger, and auditioned for a movie role that she was approached for sexual favours before she could be accepted.

She threw a drink at him, and left the room.

Although Grace Jones got out, many stayed for economic reasons and even fear of more violence, and they fail to speak up.

Even when women rise to the top, a hurdle remains for gender equity and equality.

Today, the male chauvinistic code remains high and, sadly, widely accepted in this region.

It needs a sea change because it can no longer be blamed on culture or an old system.

The plight of these women is more than a local politician arriving at a crime scene, taking a few pictures with a victim, posting it on social media with little or no resources to follow.

These communities would be better served if they refrain from managing these crimes like a 24-hour news cycle:

I am not an expert on women’s issues, but an hour’s radio talk show topic on women’s unity, with no action or policies, cannot change course.

It is like putting someone of colour in a company to be able to say now it is diverse, when that culture remains the same.

More women should be openly supporting each other when they come forward and that could help to cut the stigma.

These stories will help society and the next generation to define what is culturally acceptable.

Sexual harassment claims have cost both movie stars and politicians their jobs, while others’ portraits have been removed from buildings, and honorary degrees and awards rescinded.

The truth is, after a cooling off period, many will be back to work. These accused perpetrators are wealthy, and can afford to remain unemployed for the rest of their lives.

For victims, that is not always the case; many have no choice but to stay put on their job.

Sexual misconduct is not a refugee camps thing where women have fled violence, sexual exploitation and other atrocities; these incidents are prevalent in your workplaces, whether a multimillion production, to a local store and even a place of worship.

Today, millions of young women are still being forced in pre-arranged marriages before their 15th birthday.

The objectification of women, especially in poor communities, where studies have shown that gender role is defined and coupled with inequality and polarization, places these victims at a higher risk of human sexual trafficking, and domestic violence.

Family members often know about these incidents, but because they too are employed by the only company in town, and to save their own economic survival, they remain silent

From the movie producer, actor, business owner, law enforcement and politicians or teachers, accountability is key to helping this community to begin how community sees these issues.

An election alone is only one action to decide their fate and careers, but having their behaviour known is a start.

The hope is that victims can find the courage to come forward and a place to tell their stories, with support from other women, and without fear how they will feed their families.

Finally, although experts have argued that print media is a dying industry as people compete for virtual space, writing about these stories builds confidence for the next generation to speak up, reduces potential domestic violence, and other crimes committed against women in these communities.

The Mental Anguish: On August 14, 2017, Charlottesville, VA, Heather Heyer, 32, killed for standing up against hate during KKK, neo Nazis, white supremacist, and other hate groups racially motivated rally that incited violence.

Global reports have also shown an emergence of nationalism pushed by few, and where immigrants and other groups now viewed as a problem.

This push has triggered an egalitarianism debate, a value that many societies hold.

Although Caribbean expatriates survived racial tension decades ago, with less protection under the law, these rallies have brought back stories of a dark period for many immigrants.

For these aging baby boomers, the islands could be an appealing retirement peace dock for those who want to thank their adopted country for a better life.

They are not bitter and forever grateful, but concern that the resurfaced hate wounds today is problematic.

After watching Fareed Zakaria, a talk show host on CNN regarding division in America, an open question has emerged with one of my cousins who is now enjoying retirement.

Can Jamaica today and to a broader extent other parts of the Caribbean be ripe for the taking to attract potential baby boomers?

These retirement dollars as studies have shown can last longer in the Caribbean region. Their disposable income also benefits local communities.

They often create new employment through domestic help that sometimes pays better wages than regular local employment.

Economically it is an advantage for the country they would be leaving not having to subsidize medical and housing cost.

However, while many baby boomers would like to return their tropical paradise, a vast number will not return to due to fear of violence, changing demographics, foreign-born children that can lead to some cultural alienation, poor leadership, and lost connections.

During the early 1990s to early 2000 over 10,000 people returned to Jamaica alone from places like the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, as reports have shown, but many believe that number has diminished significantly.

If these islands were ripe for the taking, I believe more people would be landing outside the tourist protected zones.

Caribbean Life, a popular television show that highlights the best places for people searching to find a home, does not capture local political turmoil, corruption, poverty, crime, money laundering and other social issues in a 30-minute segment.

Although parts of this region shine bright on the outside, it has dark holes and, there are consequences if potential residents bite too fast from the basket of fruits they once left intact.

In a recent report, Jamaica has seen one of its lowest economic declines, and maybe since its independence from colonial British rule, and other parts of the region struggling on many economic fronts.

It has one of the highest crime homicide rates in the hemisphere, and over 350 expatriates killed, or robbed according to several reports in a decade.

Even few known quiet shores soon will find a spot on the murder rate per capita chart.

Someone with a gun in places such as the Turks and Caicos Islands, or The Bahamas, was a farfetched idea.

Ongoing economic stagnation and rising poverty have created a wider gap between the haves and have-nots

Simply, we the rich vs. them over there.

This social stratification is beyond the lack of jobs, inequality, poverty, it has morphed into criminal mentality that has no regard for anyone, but itself.

It has created a devastating “crab in the bucket” mentality where the bottom, consistently pulls the top down, and in the end, all perish.

Leading foreign affairs experts note that remittances play a key role, including other pensions that kept these poor nations’ economies afloat, but Western Union, tourist protected zones alone cannot sustain the overall Caribbean economy.

Welcome Home! Now all your hard-earned possessions are mine.

In May 2016, the US State Department warned that violent crime remains high in Trinidad and Tobago, and especially for expatriate residents and tourists involving violent robbery, kidnapping for ransom, assault, and rape.

I am not saying that everyone who visits some parts of the Caribbean is being robbed, but ongoing reports are troubling.

On August 15, 2017, returning residents were robbed of their luggage, car, and goods on their way from the Norman Manley airport, and left by the roadside.

Fortunately, no one died in this incident but, as always, an investigation is ongoing.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016: Jamaica Observer: “Gregory, 71, and his 74-year-old wife, Corita — who returned to Jamaica from the United States — were chopped to death at their home in the rural community of Edinburgh.” Their horror is just one of many similar stories.

These crimes are simply another form of lottery scamming, but in the open with guns and machetes.

These returning residents worked long hours in sometimes poor weather, saved their money just to return to their native land to enjoy the sun, breeze, and a relaxed vibe.

The difficulties many face today are not price gouging alone that carries stiff penalties especially against seniors where they once worked, or a tropical storm, unreliable utility service, friends leaving because of violence, or poor roads.

It is poor leadership and difficulty implementing policies regarding crime and justice in eliminating criminal gangs who engage in serious crimes that devastate families.

Advertising beautiful seaside, rustic, or remote living packages to discount on shipping into a gated community can be attractive.

But it seems after these baby boomers cleared customs they are on their own.

No one wants to live in a retirement community being targeted by criminals next door waiting for an opportunity to strike

The elderly woman robbed multiple times after leaving local bank with her pension from years working in the United Kingdom is not a random act.

Silence from the community even when they know these perpetrators and with a poor record in solving these crimes, this case will stay in the authorities unsolved files.

Many residents that returned earlier now stay put due late stage illnesses and deterioration from aging.

They are now housed in multi-million-dollar homes, caged in with steel bars for protection like prison with multiple locks to enter.

One hopes for an emergency exit in the event of a fire.

While minimization tends to hit social media when these crimes occur, other well-managed islands, including some Latin countries, have developed policies that are attracting retirees in massive numbers.

Lower to no taxes on retirement income, well-managed communities, low crime, and cost of living, while others only see them as an attractive source for government officials especially tax planners.

The critique is squarely not what is wrong with returning residents learning the dos and don’ts as many in the media often blame the victims.

It is simply what is wrong with leadership unable to foresee these problems, and develop a clear vision to deal with public affairs.

Also, now living in fear, many local business people who are contributing to the local economy are being killed and extorted by gangs.

If leaders that should be the voice of their nation are corrupt, self-centered, and part of amoral cliques, how can they have empathy for these people ravaged by crime?

I get it: No region is immune from crime, but who would want to work for 40-plus years to see it taken away driving from the airport to one’s new residence.

Several skilled people from the UK, Canada, the US, and elsewhere would like to return to help the youth.

Amalgamation into their foreign culture has not always kept them away, but fear of being targeted combined with memories of lost friends and family to violence even while on vacation in some of these areas.

Today, the Chinese seem to be the only ones attracted to the region, and with free access to government officials on all political sides.

These marriages are only one-sided, and has created dumping of their products while local farmers and small businesses struggle to compete with imposts as I have noted earlier, goodbye, going once, twice, sold.

As local authorities struggle to fight crime, what if these global investors were to take over crime fighting to protect their interests?

The tourist protected zone alone cannot sustain the overall Caribbean economy:

With uncertainties and safety concerns that kept many away from these shores, one hopes for a new change in thinking that the next generation who may yearn to enjoy the sun with friends, and family for their hard work will be safer.

 

 

 

 

On March 20, 2017, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness during a meeting at the Vatican with President Kagame of Rwanda for the 1994 100-day genocide.

Experts noted that over 800,000 people were killed in an ethnic war between Tutsi and Hutu extremists.

The Pope’s forgiveness gesture I believe will not bring back the lives lost. It could help remove the stains and mental anguish from the atrocity, or bring back some level of trust in the faith.

Let’s face it, forgiveness despite its intended good, is reactive.

Even if you are an opponent or supporter of religious ideology and despite one’s transgressions, sometimes few who claim to hold the forgiveness key, their own actions are part of these geopolitical problems

On the other hand, when a community and its people lose hope, coupled with poverty and the lack of resources even to fight crime, reduce poverty or fullfill one’s spiritual needs, after these sermons not much will change.

Today, many leaders in communities whose people place their trust for safety and economic uplifting should take forgiveness trip.

I thought about few Caribbean countries, in particular, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, and Haiti and some Latin America countries where Christianity is the dominant religion; however, the poor economic conditions are not based on Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Atheist, Agnostics, or some non-believers.

This ongoing turbulence that continues in many poor Caribbean islands is simply not because of past colonization, or the elusive reparation quest that remains an open debate as blame continues.

Sadly, how can some move forward while blaming others when, despite link to their ancestors’ dark past, are now engaging in similar behaviour?

For example, the International Migration for Migrant (IOM) recently highlighted that some Sub Sahara African people are still being sold as slaves; and others are being forced guard in ransom houses, especially Nigerians, Ghanaians and Gambians.

Today call for a forgiveness leadership trip is not about slavery, it is change of course from ongoing socio-economic, cultural, poverty, crime, unemployment, corruption, public health and criminal justice for modernity.

People are looking for an answer to reverse course because where there is no vision these is no progress and I believe this is another form of salient genocide.

Sub-consciously society can become overwhelmed and minimize these issues and nothing gets done but more talk to fill time slots in the media.

Not because on these shores, people are not running through communities beheading their neighbours because of cultural differences nor humanitarian ships saving lives from people fleeing violence such as Syria, where reports have shown over half a million men, women, and children have been killed from gunfire, starvation, disease, torture or drowning fleeing the civil war. However, their plight should not be interpreted as an over-there problem.

Data have shown, according to the World Bank, that murder rates and violence in the Caribbean region are sometimes higher than some other part of the world.

The reality is that some leaders are using victims on social media with photo-ops only to give an excuse to divert attention from the real problems, and lack the drive to pass legislation to protect victims.

Weapons alone cannot settle disagreements, or cope with economic hardship where it seems waiting until these issues resolve themselves is the only solution.

Fighting crime is not an easy task, especially to bring back a sense of safety. And violence and crime tend to increase because people lose confidence and stop reporting to the police, while perpetrators become more empowered.

A 24-character tweet alone cannot solve what has become an ignited crisis or likes on Facebook.

Many advocates against crime in the Caribbean region believe that the local media have gotten better in driving awareness. However, critical grassroots programs still lack resources for victims; especially where reports have shown in increase in young people being molested, raped, exploited, kidnapped and murdered.

The public condemnation is good, but these atrocities seem to have become a platform to create new charity organizations for personal financial gains with no collaborative efforts.

Humanitarian experts often argue that the lack accountability, and poor management of resources creates revictimization.

Sexual harassment, an underreported crime in the Caribbean, could also use a new charity organization for awareness.

This resurrection one seeks is beyond a quick photo-op, and it is more than bright party colour during an election cycle.

Far too often communities have seen many elected leaders becoming wealthier, while policies are creating more downtrodden, victims of poverty, reducing the middle class, and the already powerless get washed out to the ocean.

Yes! It is genocide.

After an election along these shores, the guard changes, but that dirty rug still lies at the entrance of governance.

There has to be programs to help the youths, especially girls, to finish school and be protected from abuse to build the future economic stability.

Simply put, if places like Jamaica would like to have more Violet Browns (Aunt V) as the oldest person in the world, at age 117, the country has to do more on many fronts for others to reach half her age.

Law enforcement needs adequate resources, and 21st century technology to solve crimes and support victims; while other the systematic problems could use a forgiveness tour.

Riding along several coast lines and tuned in to the local media, often you hear communities echoing sentiments of being crucified to fill budget shortfalls from an increase in fees on basic government services. It is time for a new scripture and confession.

There are several mom and pop shops going out of business and they are the backbone of the community.

The exodus is not due to safety concerns alone, but a regressive tax system that has not been good for their business

Even that little piece of inherited land passed down by a loved one is more expensive to keep from increased taxes.

I am not an economist, and/or will I ask for an inflation forgiveness.

Globally, “inflation is expected to rise to about 4.6% in 2017, the highest rate since 2011,” according to the Economist. And that will become an added problem, and especially these countries who led by borrowing to keep up their economy will become casualties.

Tax revenue are important to improve areas like airport security, facility, school and some health services and pay the salaries of a nice person who made your trip enjoyable.

Today it seems no one has heard the prayers of the local farmers. Many rural areas could use a revival, as grocery store food aisles, once stacked from the farm next door, are competing with international products from imports. And where people are now seeing their food baskets getting less, not from the shortage of food items, but higher taxes.

These farmers could use a resurrection trip to inject investments to help their local farms

Even barrels shipped from families abroad that once filled a void for a few months are now seeing enormous fees for processing.

It seems these goods are being discouraged by fees.

The real GDP numbers will not capture local communities now that seems to have more services being offered than needs.

The local taxi stand has more drivers than passengers while struggling with higher fuel taxes, and operating fees.

These socio-economic decays can threaten deep cultural roots to re-connect. Many factors from higher air fare or a car rental taxes and fees that seem more than a daily rate to fear from random violence are keeping people away from local communities.

Recently I wrote about the “brain drain of the Caribbean nurses”.

Today, several other students, and practitioners, with degrees and certifications in various fields have massive loans; while some still lack adequate skills to enter the global work force and be competitive.

Without a forgiveness trip to change course crime and brain drain remains an attractive alternative for some.

The only hope is that, after a crucifixion, there should be a resurrection to cut socio-economic crime, victims and justice silent genocide that surely need a new sermon to change course for prosperity for all.

By Derrick Miller

Before April: During the month of April, several communities, schools, health departments, including domestic violence centers will wear blue to show solidarity in honour of National Child Abuse and Awareness. April brings not only a new season, but a brighter spirit from the cold winter.

 

I have always enjoyed the changing of the seasons, especially from winter to spring. It reminders us that there a few things around the home that need to be fixed. However, for some, these damages from the past season will be ignored because it looks good on the surface. This quickly formed mentality often parallels how child abuse gets overlooked until it become a major repair, got pushed aside hoping it can service another season.

Child abuse is not always visible, like a flood, rain, broken bridge or snow and a few news headlines where society assesses the damages and swiftly moves on.

Understanding and identifying even the presence of psychopathology of sexual deviancy by some perpetrators, or risk factor of becoming a sex worker, takes collaborative efforts by the entire community and it is everyone’s responsibility for prevention beyond April.

Your teacher, a family member, pastor, friend, political leader, and others in authority who are aware and fail to discuss or prevent perpetrators of this crime against humanity share the same responsibility.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” a famous argument made by many. However, reducing these incidents and promoting awareness in April despite its intention can be difficult where a village often does not exist.

Sadly, especially in many poor and developing countries where they are struggling due to poor socio-economic conditions, polarization, inequalities coupled with ignorance, culture traits, and taboo and barbaric ideology, a victim’s story easily gets lost. Furthermore, negative portrayals of a victim simply by shame and even tolerance of this behaviour by pimps who lower these children, and combined with the lack resources for even an investigation to hold perpetrators accountable, or treatment, the child abuse cycle continues.

This assessment is a typology of an intake process, documentation, interview, or an evaluation in assigning the challenges or blame in its identification. Child abuse is an ocean that has taken everything in its path, while the appearance of a calm sea overshadowing this vicious behavioural psychopathic undercurrent.

Beyond April’s Numbers: According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, nearly one in two women and one in five men have experienced some type of sexual violence, and victimization.

The International Labour Organization also reported that about 21 million people are victims of human trafficking, for sexual exploitation, especially women and children. This affects all communities, especially minorities.

Child abuse is defined as the non-accidental physical or emotional injury caused by an act.

• Neglect of basic needs

• Educational neglect

• Medical neglect

• Physical neglect

• Child sexual abuse

There are also different types of child abuse violence from incest to trafficking.

Global Action also noted that billions have been spent, regardless of race, sex, creed, colour, or sexual orientation, but many would still believe this is not their problem. This type of thing only happens over there.

As society’s disconnect grows, many are more connected far more than the devices tells us, so more can be done.

As I have argued before, Boko Haram is not just a Nigerian issue, and this terrorist group might have taken 250 young women at one time, but in many other regions even where many vacation and experience the beautiful beaches and sunset, a young child goes missing daily due to child abuse, and that number is still rising.

These communities need to see what is happening to their students and be able to respond in seconds, not days or weeks, or just saying what is politically correct.

Such as the delicate balance sometimes on perpetrators being arrested even by the United Nations that blasted major news headlines, that seem to coincide with the month of April awareness. Often the work that is going on to protect children gets pushed aside especially in places that are pre-occupied with an election campaign and others who have just completed where new leader is trying to create personal legacy or already campaigning for the next one. Soon, one hopes, child abuse topics should be part of all debates and even become a litmus test for a candidate who seeks higher office.

Sure, many will say the right thing, but their record must be scrutinized about funding, and programs to combat this issue.

I still remember that video tape of an uncle trying to sell his young niece for sex to make a few dollars. This story is just one we have on tape…

Society cannot continue to allow an abused child’s story to be silent because everyone knows the perpetrator especially due to one’s financial status, position held in the community or family support one provides.

Analyzing next April: Sexual exploitation, education, health are areas of society that will forever link with young people such as with media, politics, and professional concerns, as most scholars have argued. As a result, when society searches for answers to forge a better union, most events will provoke debates. Sometimes the experience one brings is simple from his or her own social mobilization process. Therefore, it can difficult to separate one from the environment that has been created.

On March 6, 2016 Johns Hopkins and American University researchers published what they called “sweeping bias in non-black teachers’ expectation of black students”.

What this has to do with child abuse you might ask?

Everyone is entitled to their own belief, and not everything should be seen through the lens of black and white. However, the interpretation of information among influential people with decision making power that can have a lasting effect has to be free of biases.

I believe the low expectation of non-white students is as dangerous as an uncle who believes in incest. Although I have not done a controlled study to draw a strong correlation and these teachers in the study have not been convicted of child abuse; however, social neglect tends to create more victims in the long run.

As many studies have shown, such as a sexual offender who holds a distorted belief of their victims, if one has low expectations regardless of race or socio-economic status or culture, if this person happens to be missing later in life and becomes a victim of psychopathic abusers, what do you believe the effort might be to protect this child.

Often, sadly, when one addresses child abuse, the physical scar tends to be the only focus. However, when these children become victims, it is not solely due to low expectation, but combination of the lack of resources, xenophobia, poor parenting and many other community issues that failed to invest in a child development. And therefore lessens the chance of succeeding.

Today some of these neglected and abused children now find comfort under a bridge from a passing business person who exploits them even more.

If a child’s development fails due to bias, it is no different from an educational system that allows criminals to pass and become teachers, volunteers in school or churches that prey on innocent children.

 

Rebuilding April’s Awareness: Given the recent studies, there are plenty interpretations, confirmation and some will seek immunity and give the impression that it is only over there. Although racism is still alive, as this confirms, many poor and developing countries especially in the Caribbean could use another April awareness.

Sadly, up the road, down the hill, at the local shops child abuse still can be a muted subject. It is not always due to low expectations, but where more victims are created due to classism and other economic stratification.

The plight of women in general, coupled with the collapse of society’s moral compass, whether in an urban city, rural area, or along the shores, child abuse is uncomfortable. However, how society corrects itself and builds for a brighter surrounding security, and prosperity despite April’s good intention is much deeper.

Managing these crimes of opportunity is simply becoming more reactive, and when these special days or months approach it has to be beyond a spring cleaning until another colour emerges.

What next? Domestic violence and so on.