EDITORIAL: Seize their assets

Interestingly, this move comes at a time when Britain's new prime minister is setting criteria for giving aid to the world's poor nations. He announced that because too much aid is often misplaced or lost through corruption there would be fundamental changes in the way Britain supports development projects. The critical test for Britain will be how many lives have been improved or saved.

David Cameron went on to say that people in developed countries are fed up with hearing grand promises from politicians that remain unfulfilled, and are angry that money they give often does not reach the intended beneficiaries.

These points were discussed with his Canadian counterpart, Stephen Harper, which suggests that it is only a matter of time before rich nations really start scrutinising their aid dollars. How will our cash-strapped Government fare in securing the kind of funds needed to effect meaningful infrastructure rehabilitation and skills training in our inner cities?

$140 million contracts

A very wealthy man by all accounts, Mr Coke has reportedly benefited from government contracts worth some $140 million and is estimated to own significant real estate holdings. If convicted of drug and gunrunning we expect that assets garnered through his criminal enterprise will be seized. The idea of forfeiture is to ensure that persons do not benefit from illegal activities. It also serves to send a signal that crime does not pay. Usually, there are prescribed ways in which the State deals with such assets. We are suggesting that in this case, if convicted, Mr Coke's assets be used to help rebuild the police stations and Coronation Market, which were damaged or destroyed during the recent mayhem.

Presumably, there are others who have amassed considerable wealth through criminal enterprise. It is time to go aggressively after these assets and use them to the good of the communities which have been held hostage for too long by marauding criminals.

Poverty, unemployment and marginalisation are the ingredients that give rise to gang activity. Going forward, leaders in government, business and civil society need to lay a pathway that will change the dynamic that produces the criminal subculture that has resulted in the mushrooming of more than 280 gangs across the island.

Dismantling the gangs will have distinct benefits. First, our communities will become safer. Crime is costly to communities. Well-thinking people can return to active community life where they can become engaged and are allowed to live a peaceful life as they try to raise their families.

The second benefit has to be financial. The authorities should go after the assets of these criminals and the communities should be the beneficiaries.