My thoughts…on stuff

Recently, 49 year old Donald “Zekes” Phipps, was convicted for a double murder in 2005 and was sentenced to life in prison. Zeeks, the area leader for the troubled Matthews Lane area, who was once thought to be untouchable, accepted his sentence without complaint. “Area leader” is just a fancy term for don, one who rules a community by fear through crime. These dons rise to power because of the painfully incompetent MPs that are supposed to represent the people. As a result, they gain some sort of political power, and politicians themselves often have to meet with them to discuss matters relating to the community. Like any other don, he buys the people’s loyalty by protecting them from criminals outside and inside the community, and by taking care of their financial needs, using the money he gains from extortion. And loyal to him they are. If you heard their description of him, you’d think he was Jesus himself. He is seen as a saviour for the poor, one who cares for and protects them. Whenever the police come close to prosecuting him, the Matthews Lane area would erupt in violence, and the residents would block the streets in protest.

During his trial, the police took no chances. They were in their numbers near the courthouse, armed to the teeth. Even the Jamaican military was there. During the trial, he looked frail and downtrodden. You’d almost feel sorry for him. I for one am glad he was prosecuted. These criminals need to learn that the long arm of the law can reach anyone, including these mighty area dons. He should have been sentenced earlier, but there were numerous delays, such as judges calling in sick, etc, perhaps afraid of their lives. I must commend the Jamaican police for cracking down on these dons. If these crime bosses in the guise of community leaders are flushed out, maybe Jamaica’s crime problem will finally be solved.