PSOJ Head Stresses Need for Sustained National Effort to Address Crime

Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Joseph M. Matalon, has underscored the need for sustained national effort and leadership from all segments of the society, in reducing crime and violence.

Speaking at the recent PSOJ Chairman’s Forum held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, Mr. Matalon argued that crime reduction is not the sole remit of the government, but required significant input from other stakeholders. 

He said the PSOJ has demonstrated its “ongoing and serious commitment” to be a key player in this “important national effort”, through the implementation of several initiatives. These include the development of a national policy position paper on national security, which, he advised, has been posted on the organisation’s website.

In addition, he said, the PSOJ has established a “vibrant” standing committee on national security, the membership of which includes Police Commissioner, Owen Ellington, and Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Major General Antony Anderson.

This committee, Mr. Matalon informed, meets monthly to discuss security matters “and to determine how best we may support those entities charged with ensuring the nation’s safety”.

Mr. Matalon said the PSOJ has also engaged in advocacy on important pieces of legislation; hosted island-wide fora on the issue; supported the Crime Stop Programme; as well as implemented the Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) initiative, which targets young people, who have either fallen prey to crime and violence, or are at risk of doing so.      

“Since its (YUTE) inception 15 months ago, we have made significant strides under this initiative which targets, youths at risk in eight selected inner city communities. YUTE is one of our responses to the crime issue, by providing a viable alternative to at-risk youth,” he informed.

In urging the society to “take ownership” of the crime problem, Mr. Matalon invited persons to “consider how we each might get involved and make a difference."

“We have ample opportunities for you in the PSOJ and in the YUTE programme…you need only call and express the desire,” he stated.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter