Entertainment stalwarts talk security with top cop

Sharing from his over 35 years' experience in security, Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson held captive the attention of some of the island's entertainment stalwarts as he tracked Jamaica's sociopolitical history and the country's gradual increases in violent crimes dating from the 1970s to present.

Using statistics to support his argument, the commissioner had a vibrant discussion with major players of the entertainment industry at his Old Hope Road, St Andrew, office on Monday.

The meeting was part of renewed efforts by the police force to forge stronger partnerships between law enforcement officers and key stakeholders, such as entertainers. In attendance were a mix of recording artistes, entertainment journalists and radio personalities to include Agent Sasco, Beenie Man, Christopher Martin, Tony Rebel, Josey Wales, Kevin Downswell, Anthony Miller, Winford Williams, Clyde McKenzie, Khadene 'Miss Kitty' Hylton and DJ Squeeze.

Violence and poverty

During the healthy exchanges, entertainment consultant Clyde McKenzie suggested that there was a strong correlation between crime and poverty. However, Agent Sasco quickly challenged that view by postulating that "there is a tendency to marry violence and poverty, that's not true". He instead indicated that the genesis of violence goes beyond poverty.

Major General Anderson considered both arguments from a different perspective. "We define criminals as victims over time," he explained. "...and when they start to run the community they are no longer victims but heroes," he asserted.

"So if you have a hero and a victim you now need a villain - Babylon," Anderson concluded, to the amusement of the attendees.

Miss Kitty was disgusted by Sunday's triple murder in Tryall Heights, St Catherine, where an elderly woman and two children were killed.

"Old people and women were once off the list, and I'm flabbergasted to see what is happening," she said.