Jamaican-born US-based reggae singer Rasta BlacSpade is supporting the Prime Minister’s intention to create a Ministry, solely to deal with crime and violence in Jamaica.

PM Holness raised his intention during his address to thousands of party supporters at the annual JLP conference at the National Arena, last Sunday, November 26, 2023.

According to the PM, “Jamaica is not a country at war, but our homicide rate equates to countries that are at war. We are going to reorganize the government, to create and bring all agencies that deal with families and communities, social development, and parenting, together under one Ministry”

Rasta BlacSpace, who was nominated for the International Reggae And World Music Award (IRAWMA) this year, feels that such a move would give that Ministry more autonomy to deal with what he describes as the number one problem in Jamaica.

“There is no way that any leader of a country can feel satisfied with the troubling figures of crime and violence in Jamaica.”

As of November 25, Jamaica has recorded 1,253 murders which is less than the 1,399 recorded in the corresponding period of 2022. The island recorded 1,474 murders in all of 2021.

“The number of initiatives introduced by this and past governments have not put a dent in our startling crime statistics. These include, more police vehicles, improved police stations, increased salaries and benefits for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members, and the introduction of Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO), which was never intended to be a long-term prescription to violence.”

BlacSpade adds “The team which occupied this new Ministry of Crime should consist of those who have the expertise and passion to serve without fear and favour. Their experience should include community policing and the justice system, well respected by citizens, and the ability to motivate youths.”

Rasta BlacSpace, born Wade Douglas, grew up in Browns Hall, St. Catherine, and attended Tacius Golding High School. He recorded his first song, ‘Nuh Heart Nuh Leap’, in 2012. His soon-to-be-released EP has songs including ‘Love Over All Things’, ‘Nuh Accept Failure’, ‘Be like The Sea’, and ‘High Herb’.

The EP is produced by Thug Chemist on his own Thug Chemist Muzik imprint.

(Photo contributed)