IN THIS space last week we sought to remind the nation of the historical heritage that Spanish Town represents as the Old Capital of this former colony; and we cited the neglected artefacts it still holds as neglected potential for economic benefit.What has transpired these past several weeks and months is a travesty of the very notion of progressive development from colonial dependency to still-struggling self-rule. For the Old Capital, in the shadow of the new, has not seen its rich heritage transformed into new wealth and prosperity.
If what the several stakeholders in business and legitimate endeavours now say is true, an 'alternative government' rules the streets and a multi-million dollar extortion racket thrives with impunity.
In the context of criminal outbursts in such communities as a section of Mountain View Avenue in Kingston, Canterbury and Flankers in St. James, the 'war' in Spanish Town is an ominous affirmation of a gangland domain evoking fear and meek submission to crime. For many business owners and managers remain tight-lipped and fearful of reprisal from the criminal extortionists.
And well they might when the head of the Police Federation has taken the line that policemen are peacekeepers who should remain aloof from the dangers of warring factions.
If police strategy in this context is simply to form a buffer between contending combatants it would seem to suggest that the war is legitimate and not an illegal fight over the booty of extortion.
But the Prime Minister himself has dismissed the notion of politics as a factor, dismissing the contrary contention of the Opposition Leader.
So, given the benefit of the official intelligence which the Prime Minister must be privy to, we have to accept that the war is over gangland turf; and for the moment the rule of the dons is the prevailing condition.
So what does the legitimate Government from its seat in the New Capital of Kingston do. If the political leadership is at odds over the root cause of the persistent conflict in Spanish Town, it may seem that a stalemate is inevitable. But the ruling administration cannot hide behind such a circumstance; for no government administration worth the name can stand aloof and watch marauding criminals extort at will to the extent that people are prepared to pay and stay mum.
If the police ploy is to push the military into the vanguard of the fray, yielding to the objective of proposed legislation to make them military policemen, we say nay. That way lies uncharted territory and hidden dangers that we hasten to discourage.
The Government must act forthrightly to liberate the people of Spanish Town, tight-lipped and fearful though they be. Government must be proactive not merely react to cries for peace and justice.
