LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM JAMAICA

THERE ARE many lessons that Bahamians, including politicians, can
learn from the alarming situation in Jamaica. It was reported late
yesterday that at least 30 persons were killed by that country's well
armed criminal element, now challenging the state's attempt to arrest
their drug lord "president."

For too long the Jamaican police and the government have turned a
blind eye to Jamaica's slums. Known as garrisons they have been taken
over by criminal dons, who have turned them into their personal kingdoms.

Everything came crashing down last year when the US government moved
to have Dudus Coke extradited to the United States on charges of drug
and gun running. For nine months Prime Minister Bruce Golding's
government fought off the request, finally capitulating and agreeing
that Coke should face a Jamaican court where the charges against him
would be evaluated for extradition.

"Dudus" was the don, who delivered the votes for Golding's party from
West Kingston, so, it is obvious that he expected his "main man" to
protect him in his Tivoli Gardens fiefdom.

"Along the pitted and trash-strewn streets of West Kingston," reported
Associated Press yesterday, "residents say Coke is feared for his
strong-arm tactics, but also is known for helping out slum dwellers
with grocery bills, jobs and school fees.

"Coke solidified his authority by taking charge of punishing thieves
and other criminals in the ghettos, where the government has little
presence and police rarely, if ever, patrol."

Today Tivoli Gardens is fortified with barricades, protected by
gangsters with high powered rifles and supporters carrying placards
declaring that "Jesus died for us; we will die for Dudus."

Here is a lesson for our own police force. There should be no area in
New Providence or any of our islands where the Royal Bahamas Police
Force cannot, or do not enter frequently.

And as for our politicians if they were wise they would be very
careful of the company they keep. In the past some of them have had
very embarrassing experiences.

We recall the support that our own home grown drug lord had when the
Americans sent for him. It was surprising the following "Ninety"
Knowles had and who were among those who turned out to protest when he
was taken to court for his extradition hearing. Everyone knew of his
illegal activities, of his own gangs and his own orders that were
executed, yet when the time came to pay the piper, all we heard was
how Ninety fed his neighbours, paid the school fees and took care of
his community. And so, like Dudus, when the time came his supporters
gathered round, and marched to the court. Ninety's generosity had
solidified him in their hearts and their community, and despite their
proud boast that this is a "God fearing" nation, Ninety was one man
who could break the Ten Commandments, yet still demand their loyalty.
Today he is all but forgotten in a prison cell in the US.

We also recall how drug dealers under the Pindling administration,
rightly or wrongly, considered the PLP their party. They agitated for
the day when the PLP would be returned to power so that they could get
back to "the trade." As a matter of fact the rumour around Eleuthera
during the 2002 election was that as soon as the PLP won, the dealers'
fast-boats would be in the water, and they would return to their
illicit trade. Fortunately, it did not work out that way. But, it
certainly should have taught the politicians a lesson.

What is now happening to Prime Minister Golding in Jamaica should
underscore for all what can happen when one plays fast and loose with
law breakers.