By. D.R. Miller

A balancing act

Poor medical care is ubiquitous as studies have shown that it is often routed disparities along racial and ethnic lines. Becoming ill can get extremely dark quickly on these shores.

Poverty remains the main cause in most Caribbean islands, but one’s status woven in ongoing social stratification since colonialism remain a barrier. This is not an indictment on the local medical system, but a light on a dark issue where others do not have a voice.

Jamaica and by extension of the Caribbean have excellent doctors. They have been pivotal in the quality of lives despite an up-hill battle to overcome the challenges in public health.

These doctors are cherished even sometimes more than police officers, local judges, pastors, or politicians. And their signature such as a referral even if their patients cannot read what have been written concerning their health, is accepted

Being a doctor gives them significant rights and responsibility. And with this enormous power, and influence, one must ensure accountability that put patients first.

After Johnny’s funeral, I looked into his mother eyes, and began to ask a few questions.

What happened to him?

I am not a medical doctor, nor do I play one on television, but critical analysis is needed for improvement especially in poor rural areas.

It is their responsibility to not only have an up-to date office with the technology to better diagnose symptoms, also a well-trained staff such as an educated pharmacist as studies have shown will improve the safety of medication

Furthermore, discuss findings with patient and family that includes treatment plan even if it may not work.

They are significant dissimilarities in these medical centers from the lack of resources, and categorically inadequate skilled staff.

And this creates more challenges concerning practice and ethical standard in medicine.

It would be a good practice that physicians, medical examiners, corners offices are all in agreement as to the real cause of one’s death.

Doctors must hold one another to high standards as best practice suggested in the medical profession.

Equally important, adapting to the cultural shift and embracing younger doctors especially females as studies have shown an increase in the number of women entering the medical field.

Now what happen to Johnny?

It is simply not what time he died on a bench waiting for over 8 hours to see a doctor, but what was the actual cause of his death?

This un-explainable death represents a common medical “guessing pattern” that have caused severe financial, emotional, and physical pains for families.

With little-known surrounding this death, the funeral had to be placed on hold because the doctor was away and the body could not be released to be prepared for burial.

The delay continued because only one pathologist serving several parishes in a country with about three million people.

An autopsy can provide critical-clinical finding that the family may use as a history to protect future health.

“Was he vomiting before he arrived?” a question asked.

“Johnny complained about his stomach each time he visited the doctor, and this was about the third time in two years”, the family replied.

There were no follow-up visits, or call to see if the last prescribed medication helped.

Today, the real cause of death still unknown, but the family had to accept what was recorded on the death certificate.

He died from “stomach cancer.”

“If he was not treated for cancer, what led to this conclusion?

Where is his doctor to ask follow-up questions, and to validate his medical records?

How do you asked for an investigation when you cannot even afford the basic prescriptions?

These final conclusions are simply “poor prognosis”

Decision fatigue cannot answer thousands of dollars spent on recommended tests, prescriptions, and more test-to-test to the result of that previous test, funded by family members abroad.

Johnny’s story is not unique, because there are other families who return to check up on loves admitted for treatment, and only to be sent to a morgue after they have been searching for hours.

Accountability

More pathologists are needed and even second opinion would have built confidence and credibility.

There are local doctors providing critical education and healthcare tucked away in a plaza, but more collaboration and oversights is needed. Even sending patients off with a letter often led to unwanted additional financial burden.

If some community doctors do not specialize in certain area of medicine, there needs to be referrals rather than ordering more test that amount to financial gains.

These failures are simply a lack of humans’ rights, patient welfare, and social responsibility as many scholars have noted for a good medical system.

What would Johnny’s file have shown: Did they only saw his mental illness and used that to dictate the level of attention.

Did anyone know that he was once a public servant, a police officer.

Was he prescribed the right pain killers, or was it based on the ability to pay?

And if prescriptions being written may have kickbacks to pharmaceutical companies, who is there to monitor inappropriate use. Often prescribed painkillers as studies have shown has led to addiction and not cure for the actual symptoms.

Many government health-centres seems to only have limited resources for vulnerable groups. After Johnny was first treated and sent home no one really knows what happen.

Without any medical insurance, certain status in life, and if society deemed one as a (mad -man) someone with a mental illness, that can create additional barriers.

The value some place on human lives; especially the poor people many sick individuals put off seeing a doctor, and do not get required test.

Failure to engender community trust

Johnny could not receive blood, until someone from the family or anyone else gave in advance. This concept is like an eye for an eye, and you are out of luck if no one stand in for your well-being

One argues that people seldom give blood as a volunteer, or become an organ donor and only for a price while others see it as a taboo routed in distrust of the medical system. I get it! that the medical practice must implement some rules to have reserves for others

Cultural belief and stigma also remain an issue for some; where an erectile dysfunction, chronic chest pain, or an unusual lump on one’s body can be cured from homemade drink, or alternative medicine.

There is still skepticism of government funded medication or contribution from international health organizations. To some it is an experimental drug even as it helps to minimize medical risks.

Medical education is critical and its starts in the school system

Where are the political leaders, and minister of health?

Many have seen promises of better overall health care during an election season, but after it appears nothing has changed.

Yes, people die in America, Canada, Cuba, and England as some argues that they have long waiting period and a better medical system.

However, the chance of a person dying on a bench waiting on a doctor for 8 hours is thin. No one also expect countries such as; Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad, Bahamas, Dominica Republic to name a few with economic struggles to operate on the same level in some key areas.

But what this death represent is access to better health care between the haves and the have nots. Doctors and nurses are still making a difference and over worked and maybe underpaid.

Many of whom studied abroad and returned, but the “Brain Drain” effect ‘including nurses continues to play a major role in the emigration of these highly-skilled professionals.

Even well-off politicians who have died in the U.S. Canada or England while seeking treatment.

If they invested and trusted their own local medical system often promoted for votes, why would they leave for care when they become sick?

Empathy

Regardless of one’s socio-economic background, mental issues, or pre-existing conditions, all should be given the same medical attention such as a local popular sporting event.

A first-class image with embryonic operation to address medical emergencies in an ever-widen economic inequality gap is problematic.

Far too often a funeral band played, food served, but after everyone leaves, families still wants closure.

It seems many communities are becoming immune to these issues.

Beyond October: It was conceived out of a day of unity led by the National Collation Against Domestic Violence in October 1981 with purple as the official color.

For several years I have participated in three miles walk/run in support of victims of domestic violence with members of the law enforcement community, advocates, treatment providers and other support groups.

During this annual walk I often think about the Caribbean migrant community.

Domestic violence tends to mask in the shadows in this community.

This walk comes at a time when some will be focusing on the raking falling leaves, or checking their windows and roofs in anticipation for winter in the northern region. And for those in the tropical climate, it is life as usual.

The fact is, inside this concentric Caribbean community and few other cultures, domestic violence remains a taboo subject and where not all victims know where to go for help even for the perpetrators.

Violence against women must stay a priority: This issue will not stop through the world as many domestic panthers will continue to abuse.

These cultural colors often emerge in the summer for celebrations, dancing to the latest soca, reggae and Latin rhythms; beneath the costumes, one love vibes, someone is hurting from irrational decisions by perpetrators.

 

There are plenty of definitions of domestic violence regardless of the type of relationship. It is not about a single fight. If it feels wrong, it is… It is never the victim’s fault:

• Forced sexual activities
• Intimation, isolation
• Economic manipulation
• Deprivation such as medical

Looking back at the HIV/AIDS epidemic and although medical advance made it a manageable disease, it was through awareness that reduced the stigma in this community.

I have also written that these cultural celebrations should be a place to highlight domestic violence or even homophobia

No! You do not have to be member of the LBGQ community or a victim to speak up and support these groups.

The struggle: Scholars have noted that Caribbean masculinity is tied to Europe colonization from the 17th through the 19th centuries, and where slavery’s dark period cannot be ignored and dehumanization of black women who were relegated to the kitchen.

The challenge is that some perpetrators carry that 16th century mentality that still sees women role in society as property; and their roles are in the kitchen and bearer of their children.

These scars still that linger are a correlation between a societal view of some women that often leads to inequality and inequity as research has shown.

However, it is not an excuse how some women are being treated today.

Even their upward mobility to leadership roles, inspiring the next generation, sadly, it seems for some, admitting to being a victim could cut their power and status.

Gender-stereotype, masculinity and sexuality hinder self-observation; especially for women who pathologize their community by judging herself and, this mentality creates more victims in fear of seeking legal, medical, and even psychological help.

Victims can also themselves in similar relationships with little or no support after migration.

Coupled with xenophobia some face and social stratification, these complexities along socio-economic and cultural identifiers causes more isolation.

Many in academia have noted that, even when treatment programs are available, the dropout rates remain high and victims often use cultural reasons as an excuse.

The lack of resources, choked off by poverty, sometimes can be difficult to fit comprehensive family, or personal and victim service program throughout many Latin American and Caribbean communities.

Groups intervention tends to stay in the shadow, lacks proper staffing, often closed shortly afterwards, and offenders often need the cooperation of law enforcement to make sure they attend treatment programs.

Whether the US, Canada, or the UK; or a gay person who lives under a bridge in Caribbean, being victimized should not make a difference: It hurts anywhere.

Decades after the movements, new generation movements from these once alienated migrant communities have stepped up globally, speaking out and forming support groups

The other color: Domestic violence also takes place same-sex relationships.

Men are victims of nearly three million physical assaults in the USA alone each year

Violence and death inside the LGBTQ community has increased since 2010 and the Caribbean continues today from ignorance, and taboo; even by straight perpetrators who may have their own struggles with homosexual tendencies, as studies have shown.

In Jamaica, the “buggery law” dated back to colonial rule that prohibits same sex marriage and, with few advocates, today throughout Caribbean support for same sex intimate relationships is still a high tide.

Many of these laws throughout the Caribbean and other regions are outdated, and need to be more current to protect victims.

As some groups are becoming more accepting, and paving the way for support, hostility remains in some social, religious, and political groups that still see lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships as a sin and morally wrong.

This identity makes it rather difficult for a victim in this community to seek and get help in an abusive relationship.

Substantially, it is what I see as a condemnation where masculinity and femininity are defined and thus has reduced objectivity in the rule of law and, without basic rights, one becomes powerless.

No one is immune from violence.

These communities should move from only seeing the symptoms and not the cause. The church is important, but dear pastor alone cannot solve these issues

First responders are key to the survival of these victims: not acting due to the lack of a physical scar is problematic.

Few Data: According to the National Collation Against Domestic Violence, in America, one woman is killed by a spouse, ex-spouse, or some dating partner every 14 hours.

And every 20 minutes an intimate partner abuses someone.

Several academic international journals have noted that domestic violence accounted for about 19 percent of the total burden of healthcare for women age 15-44.

Youth and young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years old are 2.41 times as likely to experience physical violence

Victim continues to use the health care system more than others do, and for several years after, the violence has stopped.

More than three million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year. Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at a higher rate.

There is a strong link to domestic violence, and child exploitation trafficking and where some are forced into marriages and the UN further reported that about 15 million young girls are victims yearly.

This violence creates a pattern of psychological and overcoming this traumatic experience has long-term critical consequences.

Has this community enough specially to highlight this issue remains an open question?

Finally, see you at the next walk or run in purple, or even standing under a banner for victims’ rights, because searching for survival, and a balance their community.

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.