Ministry of National Security

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A western arm of the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) was officially launched in Montego Bay, St. James, on Wednesday (April 27). The four year-old organization, which started in Kingston through the initiative of Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, is an early intervention mechanism, which works proactively to prevent conflict from rising to the level of violence, and to strengthen civic organizations that provide stability, sustainable development, security and pride within inner-city communities.

The process involves a variety of strategies; from the deployment of mediators in the short term, to the long-term support and development of community organizations and economic life.

Dr. Phillips, in his addressing at the launch held at the St. John's Methodist Church Hall, said that the formation of the St. James branch reflected the determination of the people of Jamaica to take back control of their communities, in the face of a determined onslaught by criminals.

"I am particularly pleased because it reflects the level of success that the experience in Kingston has had under the direction of Bishop Herro Blair, which has commended itself to members of the St. James communities, and indeed I think to others elsewhere in Jamaica", Dr. Phillips said, while giving his Ministry's full backing of the programme.

Meanwhile, the National Security Minister lambasted communities that were in support of criminality. "In too many communities, we are seeing not only the inclination to war, but in fact we are seeing a breakdown of values and a breakdown in the knowledge and belief of what is right and what is wrong", he said.

"It means that the loyalties of these people have moved away from support for their country and for decent law-abiding behaviour, and have been given over squarely, comprehensively to the side of criminality", he added.

Dr. Phillips noted that one of the challenges of the PMI, would be to persuade members of communities overtaken by criminal control and violence, that such a path was not one to prosperity, but was instead, a recipe for early death and disaster. "Criminality is like a blight and we need to resist it, but resist it in thoughtful, positive, imaginative ways, and this (PMI) represents one such effort", he pointed out.

He further urged residents of St. James to extend the hand of cooperation to the PMI, emphasizing that decent law abiding people of Jamaica needed to reclaim the country from the hands of criminals.

Political Ombudsman and Chairman of the PMI in Kingston, Bishop Herro Blair, pointed out that since its inception, the PMI has intervened in over 60 communities in the Kingston Metropolitan area and parts of St. Catherine. "And we have made the commitment to remain with many for the long haul, as we endeavour to transform the culture of violence and bring about a pathway to peace", he stated.

He emphasized that his work with the organization was voluntary and was being done because of love for the country. He informed that St. James PMI has been working in communities for about one year and pleaded with the business sector to give full support to the organization.

"Your willingness to serve your nation, your willingness to serve your city and its many communities, is but your testimony to your commitment to work for peace", he stated, while also calling on media practitioners to play their part in supporting the PMI.

The St. James branch of the PMI is being chaired by Bishop of Montego Bay, the Most Reverend Charles H. Dufour.

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