Political debaters should prescribe long-term solutions to break cycle of violence – JFJ

At least one civil society group has suggested social policy issues that representatives of the two major political parties should address when they meet in the first political debate on Saturday.

Although police data shows a 42 per cent reduction in murders up to August this year, when compared with the similar period last year, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) wants the representatives of the political parties to outline strategies that balance effective policing with human-rights protections.

Executive Director of JFJ Mikel Jackson said the political debaters should also discuss long-term solutions to address the root causes of crime to break the cycle of violence.

Jackson wants the debaters to discuss how their parties would balance human-rights protections with effective crime-fighting strategies to avoid measures, such as overly restrictive states of emergency, that infringe on civil liberties.

In addition, JFJ said the political representatives should highlight what long-term interventions – such as investments in education, youth programmes and community development – they would prioritise to address the root causes of crime, particularly in marginalised communities.

“How will your party strengthen community policing and rebuild trust between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and communities, especially in light of allegations of excessive force and significant increase in police fatal shootings?” JFJ said the representatives should be asked.

Jackson said the politicians should comment on policy initiatives to tackle the problem of sexual and domestic violence.

She added that the high rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and rape, demand urgent policy action to protect survivors and prevent further harm. She said legislative reform and support systems are critical.

URGENCY TO REVISE, IMPLEMENT LEGISLATION

The JFJ head said the political representatives debating social policy issues should be asked to tell the country the specific policies that their party would implement to address the alarming rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and rape, and ensure robust support systems, such as shelters, counselling, and legal aid, for survivors.

With a comprehensive review of the Domestic Violence Act still outstanding, JFJ wants to know what level of priority will the political parties place on updating this legislation, and what timeline would they commit to in order to revise and implement this legislation.

Jackson said her organisation has received significant complaints in recent times around labour violations and land matters. In that regard, the JFJ boss said the political representatives should provide answers on their plans to address labour rights violations within the workplace, and give clear commitments on the passage of the occupational health and safety bill.

She said plans for housing solutions should be highlighted, with a specific focus on land ownership.

The first debate on social issues is a team debate covering areas such as youth, education, culture, crime, technology and innovation, employment, health and medical care, transportation, among other areas. The debate begins at 9 p.m.

The People’s National Party’s team on social policy issues comprises Damion Crawford, Raymond Pryce, and Sophia Fraser-Binns, while Pearnel Charles Jr, Kamina Johnson Smith and Matthew Samuda make up the Jamaica Labour Party’s team.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com