Close call

While we are grateful for the safe return of this well-known citizen, an even greater outcome will be the successful apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrating elements. In fact, that is now a matter of utmost importance given the risk of copycat crimes occurring. It has been reported that sums of money were paid as ransom.

We must express concern over whether this incident is the resumption of a dark and dangerous chapter in our history. The kidnapping-for-ransom problem peaked years ago but under former Minister of National Security Martin Joseph was virtually eliminated.

While Joseph’s overall tenure can be criticised for record-high murder rates, no one disputes that it was under his watch that the kidnapping problem was eradicated.

But should we interpret this week’s developments as a worrying sign of resurgence? The Police Service, the Anti- Kidnapping Unit, the Cyber Security Unit, the Task Force, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Strategic Services Agency must be given the tools and resources they need in order to get the job done.

This is not only a matter of protecting funding, but also implementing plans that have long been drawn up for the benefit of these entities.

There is also an international aspect to the crime problem which must also draw the attention of officials.

The confluence of transnational crime with local criminal enterprise cannot be underestimated.

This is particularly so in a country which has been deemed vulnerable to various forms of trafficking, whether of drugs, of arms or of human beings. Often, there are interstices with money laundering. The impact of these shadowy activities on surface crime levels is a matter that is not adequately mapped. Indeed, this is the design of those involved in such activities.

Our crime situation is serious, but we should also be concerned about regional developments.

For example, the deterioration of the crime situation in Jamaica is a direct threat to regional security and prosperity. According to police statistics, up to Tuesday, 712 people were murdered, compared with 593 people over the same period last year. This represents an increase of 119 or 20 percent.

In response, the Jamaican government has promulgated legislation to give law enforcement authorities power to treat designated areas as hot spots, with commensurate powers to search premises and vehicles without warrant. In this country, joint police and army patrols and resulting “lockdowns” have become the status quo, even if there is no tailor-made legislation for these activities.

An attempt to pass such a law lapsed in the last Parliament.

Over in neighbouring Venezuela, the situation is even more perilous with crime and violence coming against a backdrop of a crippling economic crisis that is threatening tremendous political upheaval.

These matters affect us in various ways. They destabilise economies we need for our own economic recovery. And they also set in motion demographic shifts, introducing new hazards to our shores.

It is hoped Thursday’s close call will spur authorities to nip in the bud any developments which could worsen the picture in the long run.