JG - Jamaica held to ransom by local militia groups

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

Jamaica held to ransom by local militia groups

published: Sunday June 8, 2008

Dr Roderick Hewitt, Contributor

Hewitt

The first five months of 2008 have ushered in a new socio-political phenomenon within Jamaica and that is the coming into being of local militia groups. I am amazed that the media and other well-informed analysts continue to speak of gunmen terrorising the society. I beg to differ! What is currently enveloping our nation is a phenomenon that is different from all other eras. Criminal activities have metamorphosed over the years and have become a force that is now out of control.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"What started out as criminal elements in garrison constituencies, headed by so-called 'dons' has now become independent militia groups.

In their embryonic phase, they attached themselves to political parties as parasites and delivered votes to the political parties in return for space to carry out their illegal economic activities.

They have now become so well established that they no longer need party political authorisation or support for their activities.

They privatised crime and security matters within their local communities and have transformed them politically into dictatorial fiefdoms or cantons with their system of governance headed by their own 'prime minister', 'minister of defence' and 'minister of finance' and 'minister of social security'."