Addressing the Root Causes of Crime: A Call for Prevention Over Reaction

For many weeks, the response to our increase in crime, especially homicide, has been singularly one track: “Increase law enforcement and strength of the law, and let the criminals know they will be dealt with”.

But as our grandmothers taught us: “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure”. And unless we work hard NOW at prevention, the crime wave will be with us for the next twenty years and will get worse. Surely this should be obvious?

The causes of our increase in crime are many, and there seems to be a reluctance to acknowledge the most obvious and most disturbing ones. By far the most important is the failure of our primary schools to produce more than 60 per cent of 11-year-olds who are literate and numerate, condemning the remaining 40 per cent to probable failure in secondary school, and unable to enter adulthood with either qualifications or a goal in life. This tragic situation is not being addressed by the Ministry of Education. Why not?

The second major cause of the problem is the cultural transition in our society, with too many children raised by a single mother, with no father in the home, and mother unable to play both roles effectively. Often mother is consumed by her work and economic struggles, and there is no time or opportunity to raise a child to read, or to understand the importance of the most basic human values of honesty, kindness, sympathy and so on.

The third major cause is the many challenges faced by primary school teachers especially, who feel unappreciated and underpaid. While many may be adequately skilled in the task of instruction and educational modalities, how many are skilled in mentoring and counselling?

The fourth major cause is the secular evolution of a society which undervalues human values , and indulges in entertainment of a violent, amoral and often abusive nature—on TV, radio, “concerts” with notorious singers, and ZR music.

The fifth major cause is the abandonment of religion and associated ethical values. The churches are attended largely by retirees and pensioners—there are few middle aged and younger people. Few children attend Sunday school. And to be honest, many people are disenchanted by church rituals (Anglican, Catholic etc.) and poor preachers and by the ones preaching “hell and damnation”.

And finally the sixth major cause is disenchantment with politics and the impression given by powerful politicians enjoying the fruits of being in power. So what can be done?

First, for goodness sake, let’s deal with the primary school problems. Support the teachers. Improve the training and the salaries and facilities and reading materials. They don’t need hotel standard buildings, but better basic facilities that are properly maintained. Likewise teachers should be encouraged to improve their skills, especially in psychology and counselling. Books must be made available, including children’s fiction. Literacy in primary schools is the Big, Big, Big Issue! Veteran educator Marc Andre’s literacy initiative R.E.A.D., for Reclaim Excellent Academic Dominance, as described in the Weekend Nation of Friday February 7th, is a good move, and his efforts should be integrated with a comprehensive energised literacy programme both in schools and outside.