Notice

The gesture being made by members of the National Transformation Programme (NTP) to engage 'dons' or area leaders to facilitate peace and a ceasefire across the length and breadth of the island has received support from some influential members of the society.

The issue became topical following a suggestion, earlier this year, from Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan that dons reserve the right to present their opinions on the six controversial anti-crime bills that have been tabled in Parliament for debate.

MacMillan told The Gleaner recently that irrespective of what is said about the dons, they have certain rights.

Visiting communities

On the weekend, the NTP began visiting communities and speaking to area leaders in hopes of organising a ceasefire.

"This is something I support 100 per cent. They should have started a long time ago," tough-talking and controversial former Spanish Town mayor Dr Raymoth Notice argued.

Lashing out at the justice system, Notice stressed that, over the last 40 years or more, residents of the poor urban communities had lost faith in the country's system of governance.

"This has paved the way for the rise of the dons, who have won the faith of the communities. These dons are seen as true leaders and the last hope for the community, so why keep them out of these meaningful discussions?"

Notice further said that while these dons or area leaders might be aware of the crimes being committed, they might not necessarily be involved in any criminal acts.

He believes that they can play an integral part in the peace process.

"I am not in agreement with legitimising the donmanship, but they exist and we have to try and work with them," he said.

Responding to the support for engaging the dons, Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds carefully explained that dons were persons who controlled turf or territory and usually used violence, fear or intimidation to govern.

"There are three groupings of dons. You have the loose 'corner crews', who come together and commit criminal offences; there are the organised criminal gangs who are involved in robberies and extortion; there are also the highly organised groups with transnational links, who are involved in organised crimes," Hinds explained.

He was not in a position to say if the move to engage dons was something the police force would support.

Don't legitimise jungle justice

Hinds warned that the persons engaging the dons would have to be careful that they did not legitimise the 'jungle justice' imposed by some of these dons in the communities.

"You cannot make them feel like it is legitimate to take the law in their hands, killing or maiming people who might have done something wrong in the community," said Hinds.

Former People's National Party Region Three Chairman, Paul Burke, argued that the media frequently referred to common criminals and thugs as dons.

"Dons are people who have three or more gang leaders reporting to them. They are not necessarily brutal, but persons who demonstrate leadership," said Burke. "I think the gesture is a good one because at least 10 per cent of these dons may become rehabilitated and walk away from a life of crime."

Book on Shower posse

A former high-ranking member of the notorious Shower Posse shares Notice's view. The retired gangster, who spoke with The Gleaner on condition of anonymity, was one of the main characters featured in the book Shower Posse.

Written by Duane Blake, son of former Shower Posse leader Vivian Blake, the book exposes the operations of the most notorious Jamaican criminal organisation. It details its origins, outlining the internal strife, greed, and ruthless infighting that brought about its downfall.

"If the Government adopts this approach, it would be one of the greatest things it would have ever done to tackle the crime problem because, apart from being in control, the don is who all the little 'corner leaders' have to report to," the former Shower Posse member commented.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com