J’cans blame joblessness for crime

An overwhelming number of Jamaicans believe the lack of jobs is the main reason for the increasing crime wave in the country.



In the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll almost half the number of respondents cited joblessness as the major factor for the crime problems.



The survey indicates that 46 percent of the 1,800 people polled believed that if there were more jobs, the crime rate would be lower.



More than 700 people have been murdered since the start of the year and there are concerns about the significant number of reported shootings and other major crimes.



Mr. Johnson carried out the survey from May 31 to June 1 in 84 communities.



According to the poll, 14 percent of the respondents believe poverty is the main cause of crime.



Seven percent of the respondents cited financial stress and inflation and to a lesser extent gang warfare, drugs and corrupt politicians.



At least a quarter of the people polled said Bruce Golding and the JLP Government are to be blamed for the increase in crime, which they say is the number one problem.



However, almost a half of the respondents disagreed that the Government was to be held accountable.