With Colonel Trevor MacMillan ascending to the post of minister of national security, the 2006 Jamaica Labour Party-sponsored anti-crime study will now figure prominently.
Titled 'Road Map to Safety', the report made a raft of recommendations aimed at arresting the problem of crime and violence.
Marguerite Orane, a management consultant, was a member of the consultative group who laboured over the report. Orane pinpointed holding persons accountable as the most important thing which MacMillan could take from his report to apply in his new job.
"There were certain actions given by the report, but the number one thing would be holding people accountable. That is the train of thought running through the report, whether it be politicians or whoever is responsible," she told The Gleaner Monday.
Sending a strong signal
Orane also believes the appointment of MacMillan will send a strong signal to the society as she believes his reputation of being a no-nonsense person will inspire confidence.
The report had called for the severance of links between politics and crime; the dismantling of political garrisons; depoliticisation of the management of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); and ending corruption.
Specifically, the road map plots the path to controlling corruption, transforming the security forces, making the police more effective, transforming the Jamaica Defence Force and improving the justice system.
Indeed, some of the things which the report called for have either already been implemented or are on the brink of ratification.
Strategic review complete
The Proceeds of Crime Act, one of the recommendations, was passed in 2006. The strategic review of the JCF has already been completed and announcement of the findings, ironically, are expected to be announced by MacMillan in his new capacity in the Sectoral Debate.
A code of conduct for politicians, for which the study called, was signed by politicians of both political parties before the report in 2005. The libel law is also currently under review after a series of meetings by a committee set up by Prime Minister Bruce Golding. A subsequent report by the committee has been tabled in Parliament.
The MacMillan committee had noted then that Government has chosen in the past to "cherrypick" recommendations of previous reports. Hence, the task force advised that a small implementation group be set up in the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure that the road map is activated.
Others which are listed above have received lip service but no substantial work has been done.
Recommendations from MacMillan task force
Fully resource Corruption Prevention Commission.
Promote transparency - disclosure of funding sources by parties.
Promote transparency in contracts and subcontracts.
Include parliamentarians in the Corruption Prevention Act.
Parliamentary approval for senior public officials.
Security clearance for approved contractors.
Prevent subcontracting to a firm controlled by criminal elements.
Code of conduct for politicians.
Bipartisan agreement on dismantling garrison superstructure.
End contracts to garrison dons.
End dons making contributions to political parties.
Disarm garrisons.
Accelerate the privatisation of housing stock.
Strip garrison dons of all criminally acquired wealth.
Establish police-military posts within garrison communities, as required.
Truth and reconciliation commission.
Depoliticise the police force.
Police Service Commission to have increased authority.
Establish promotions boards in the JCF.
Fully resource the Police Public Complaints Authority.
Upgrade criminal investigation and intelligence services by approximately 600 persons.
Upgrade Mobile Reserve.
Enhance the National Reserve.
Enhance office of chief justice and judicial independence in general.
Review existing system of courts, etc.
Review DPP's Office with respect to staffing resources and accountability.
Ensure courts are manned by officer answerable to the chief justice.
Review and codify procedural rules.
Improve technology.
Community renewal.
Youth unemployment.
