I want to do my part to halt the surge of violence that is overtaking this country at a rapid pace.

Ironically, you would think that having been arrested and having to go to court time and time again, I would be so turned off that I would never try to make a difference again.  Instead, it has made me even more sensitive to our desperate the situation is.  It is one thing to hear in the news of people trying to smuggle drugs out of the country.  It is another thing to see these people coming to court and hearing their stories. 

The last time I went to court I listened to the appeal of an attorney for a lady who took the DANGEROUS risk in order to make life better for her children.  It was a difficult thing to hold back the tears.  It was very moving.  One lady was so moved she offered to assist the children.  That again was moving.

What if all these persons could be given a REAL alternative - a safer, legal alternative?  People say that opportunities cannot solve the crime problem and I agree.  For as long as there is a God there will be good, law-abiding people.   Equally, for as long as there is a devil there will be criminals.  BUT THE MORE PEOPLE FIND OPPORTUNITIES THE LESS CRIME YOU WILL HAVE.  That is is proven fact.

Poverty leads to anger and frustration.  Crime is a symptom of poverty.  The man who is hungry is more likely to consider drugs.  He is more likely to contemplate picking somebody's purse or wallet.  He is more likely to kill someone for money.  Have you noticed how kidnapping for a ransom is becoming a thing in Jamaica?  Then the people who contribute to commerce in this country - the entrepreneurs - are increasingly becoming victims of extortion - protection money.

If our people - and the guy in the ghetto is your brother - start finding real opportunities, Jamaica can only be made better for it.

It is therefore in all our interest that our brother can put food on his table.  It is in all our interest that our children go to school.  It is in all our interest that everyone can afford quality health care.  It is an all our interest that every Jamaican citizen can enjoy a better quality of life.  It is in all our interest that ever single citizen of this country is actively pursuing the dream of financial independence through legitimate means.