JAMAICAN OFFICIAL SEEKS SUPPORT TO FIGHT CRIME

Jamaican Security Minister Peter Phillips spoke to a sometimes respectful,
sometimes fiery crowd of about 150 Jamaican Americans Saturday about plans
to heighten the island nation's security.

''The root of violent crime in our country is the illegal narcotics trade,''
Phillips said at the town hall meeting at Church of the First Born, 2260 NW
183rd St. in Carol City.

``Not every crime is linked to narcotics, but that is the basic force that
perpetuates the climate of crime.''

Phillips is seeking the support of South Florida's large Jamaican
population, which retains strong business and family ties to the island.

Phillips outlined an array of strategies to stop the drug trade and violent
crime. His plans include hiring 2,000 new police officers, bolstering
security at Jamaican airports and seaports, stepping up efforts to
confiscate illegal guns, acquiring cutting-edge police equipment and
improving training.

''We must adopt an air of simple law and order, such as enforcement of the
Road Traffic Act,'' Phillips said, referring to Jamaica's often-ignored
traffic laws. ``There are those who suggest enforcing law and order is the
same as oppressing the poor. But it's the other way around -- the poor are
most vulnerable to criminals.''

After the minister's remarks, about 20 people lined up to pepper Phillips
with questions. Earl Spencer, a former Jamaican politician, loudly accused
Jamaican police of arresting no major drug figures, only ''clerks'' and
low-level operatives.

''We are making efforts against criminals who enjoy high status. We recently
confiscated about 41,000 rounds of ammunition and large shipments of
[marijuana],'' Phillips said.

Miramar City Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman talked of revamping Jamaica's
constitution and form of government.

''As a nation that grew from slavery to independence, we started with the
[British] model of government. But now we've outgrown that model,'' Salesman
said. ``We need reforms that further separate the executive, legislative and
judicial portions of the government.''

Phillips disputed Salesman's accusation that Jamaica's government is still
controlled from outside the country, but largely agreed with his comment.

''We fought for decades, for centuries for the right to govern ourselves,''
Phillips said. ``We do need to undertake reforms, but we should also
acknowledge our progress. We used to labor under rules that required
bipartisan consensus before moving forward, which were slowing our
progress.''

Don Daly, a South Florida radio and TV host and an organizer, said more
Saturday forums with Jamaican officials will take place in coming months at
the church.