Rasta BlacSpade supports idea for new ministry

Jamaica-born, US- based reggae singer Rasta BlacSpade is supporting Prime Minister Andrew Holness' announcement of plans to create a ministry solely to deal with crime and violence in Jamaica.

Holness raised his intention during his address to thousands of supporters at the annual Jamaica Labour Party conference at the National Arena last Sunday.

According to Holness, "Jamaica is not a country at war, but our homicide rate equates to countries that are at war. We are going to reorganise the Government to create and bring all agencies that deal with families and communities, social development, parenting; we are going to bring all of them together under one ministry".

Rasta BlacSpace feels that such a move would give that ministry more autonomy to deal with what he describes as the number one problem in Jamaica.

"There is no way that any leader of a country can feel satisfied with the troubling figures of crime and violence in Jamaica," he said. As of November 25, Jamaica had recorded 1,253 murders, which is less than the 1,399 recorded in the corresponding period of 2022. The island recorded 1,474 murders in all of 2021.

"The number of initiatives introduced by this and past governments has not put a dent in our startling statistics. These include more police vehicles, improved police stations, increased salaries and benefits for ... Jamaica Constabulary Force members, and the introduction of zones of special operations, which was never intended to be a long-term prescription to violence, and the [gun] amnesty," he said.

He suggested that if the new ministry comes to reality, it should not consist of political affiliates, but those who have the expertise and passion to serve without fear or favour.

"Their experience should include community policing and the justice system, [they must be] well respected by citizens and [have] the ability to motivate youth," he added.

Rasta BlacSpace, born Wade Douglas, grew up in Browns Hall, St Catherine, and attended Tacius Golding High school.

He recorded his first song, Nuh Heart Nuh Leap, in 2012.