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accepted or at least be examined by the Government and the leadership of the
JDF.
7.
TACKLING THE GARRISON PHENOMENON
15.37.
Much focused and scholarly writing has been given to the “garrison
phenomenon”. Beyond our observations in Chapter 2, we shall eschew the
temptation to add yet another layer of scholarship to the issue. Rather, we shall
make a series of recommendations which we hope will provide a basis for
meaningful action.
15.38.
By way of prefatory remarks, however, we accept that in
parliamentary democracies there are certain constituencies which are considered
electorally safe seats for one political party or another. There is nothing unique
or unsavoury in that reality.
15.39.
The nature of the garrison phenomenon in Jamaica is rooted in the
fact that, over time, these constituencies have been allowed to become, in the
popular vocabulary, “states within the State”. They have their own credo and
ethos. They give the appearance of living outside the mainstream of society.
Promotion of a political party’s interests is paramount. All else is secondary,
including the rule of law. Political patronage and violence are two of the
hallmarks of a garrison constituency. Criminals are highly organised and
challenge the conventional societal order in order to establish and magnify their
own. Fear of reprisals leads inexorably to adherence to a code of silence among
law abiding citizens who are forced, by necessity, to allow criminality to reign
within the garrison constituency.
15.40.
Tivoli Gardens is an example of an advanced stage garrison
community. But it has been represented to us that, six years after the events of
24 May 2010, the situation in that community has ameliorated. One member of
the public who submitted recommendations wrote: “Today, people are able to