PJ Patterson, Jamaica’s former prime minister, has advocated for a nationwide campaign to stem the flow of crime and moral decline throughout society.
Patterson expressed concern about the unchecked criminal activity that has been directed at the most vulnerable members of society, arguing that meaningful change can only be achieved with the collaboration of key stakeholders in tackling this issue.
- Advertisement -
The statesman supports Howard Mitchell’s suggestion, made last month at an awards luncheon hosted by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, that the National Partnership Council (NPC) take the lead in a moral rebirth.
The NPC is made up of partners and representatives from the administration, the opposition in parliament, and other important social organizations.
This strategy, in Patterson’s opinion, would guarantee true bipartisan involvement and deal with one of the most important problems the country is now facing.
“We need a national team, comprising the government, opposition, farmers, teachers, security forces, private sector, trades unions, church, and civil society, to come together against the elements threatening our right to life, justice, freedom, self-worth, and respect,” Patterson stated.
Patterson stated that Jamaica has several difficulties during his speech at the recent Committee of Umpires Association annual dinner, which was held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
“Our nation grapples with crime and violence at intolerable levels,” he stated, pointing to the horrific crimes, which increasingly target vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
According to the most recent police crime figures, there were 1,282 murders in the nation between January 1 and December 2, 2023—a 10.2% decrease over the same time the previous year.
In addition, he drew attention to the alarming patterns of workplace theft, bank robberies, and praedial larceny, as well as the expansion of violence into families, schools, and even the streets.
Referencing Chief Justice Bryan Sykes’s statement that more punitive punishments are not the only way to solve the problem, the former head of state argued for creative and diversified strategies, similar to the array of strategies employed in cricket, including yorkers and googlies. As a metaphor for reinstating the morals and principles that need to govern the country, he emphasized the necessity of going back to the essence of the game.
Patterson also addressed the opposition’s proposal for a ministry of social change at their 2018 annual conference, as well as Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s declaration of a study for a ministry devoted to family and community affairs.
He maintained that the success of these programs depends not on their titles but rather on a comprehensive strategy that includes competent personnel, strong leadership, and the involvement of every department, ministry, sector, and community in the government.
Patterson made the following comparison between the laws and standards necessary for the country’s well-being and the rules of cricket: “Like cricket, which is bound by rules and standards, every nation must uphold laws and norms.”
Amidst a societal trend towards consumerism and moral degradation, he emphasized the significance of unwavering principles like honesty, truth, tranquility, and mental freedom. “Respect for self, caring for our neighbor, discipline, civility, and just plain decency have been overshadowed by greed, materialism, and a worrying moral decline,” he noted.
The country’s difficulties throughout the previous 20 years were vividly depicted by the former prime minister.
“There has been a constant lament that our National Consultation on Values and Attitudes hasn’t fully achieved its targets,” Patterson pointed out, emphasizing the common attitude expressed in conversations on a variety of forums, including social media and politics. He emphasized that it is imperative to restore Jamaica’s moral fiber throughout every sector, city, town, parish, district, and household—not only in particular locations.
Patterson seemed to connect with his audience when he called for a national fight against crime and moral decline.
He concluded that “Jamaica cannot afford to lose another day to criminals and wrongdoers. It’s time for a united front to confront and vanquish these challenges, ensuring a future where every Jamaican can live “triumphant, proud, and free”.
