Background
The publicly communicated bomb threats of November 9 & 10, 2023 in Jamaica, resulted in widespread (multi-parish) distruption of schools & work in the country. The investigative work of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, culminated in their publicly stating that the bomb threats is a hoax. Understandably, the public has been plunged into a level of panic, and/or concern. “In a brief statement on social media, the JCF urged calm…detectives are reaffirming that all evidence suggests that the threats are a hoax.” Jamaica Gleaner| Retrieved November 10, 2023 While no physical evidence to date indicate that a bomb was actually planted in the many schools across Jamaica; and while physical trauma associated with the detonating of the bomb(s) aren’t present; one can’t help but to think of the many kids, parents, teachers and other stakeholders throughout Jamaica & in the diaspora, who are experiencing, or will experience other forms of trauma, such as emotional & psychological, related to this scare. “Students have indicated that in some instances they do not feel safe on compounds and teachers, too, have indicated that they are not feeling very safe based on these threats and the level of violence that is portrayed by students and which they sometimes experience, not necessarily on the school compound alone.” Jamaica Observer| Retrieved, September 10, 2023
Could This Bomb Scare Be A Test of The State?
These bomb threats follow the public statements made by the Jamaican Prime Minister, 24 hours-48 hours prior: “This country needs to stop sending mixed signals to criminals. They’re not going to return any grace you give them, they are not reasonable people. They are terrorists and they must be treated as such”. Jamaica Observer article| November 11, 2023 Is the timing of these bomb threats coincidental, or perfect? As the deep thinker that I am, I can’t restrain my thoughts from going to the extent of observing & analysing the publicly shared events of this multiparish bomb threat, as a test of the state. The scale; the timing and the dissemination format-whereby the issuer(s) of the threats have/had placed extra efforts into erasing their trace as the sender(s), serve as reasoning behind my position of thought. The execution of this threat in my view requires organization, leadership, and a higher level of skill in information technology, strategy development, and execution, than what we typically experience as members of the general public, with “common forms of criminality”. In a public statement, The Ministry of National Security (Jamaica), shares: “While we are grateful that these were not actual threats, we must emphasise the significant strain such incidents place on our law enforcement resources, which are already in high demand.” Jamaica Gleaner| Retrieved November 10, 2023 This is a statement, though transparent, should not have been made public, in my view. Just as is the current reality of criminals enjoying their success(es), of successfully ambushing & robbing cash couriers, and money stores (ABMs, Western Union..) in Jamaica, after much experimenting; why can’t this be the case for the bomb threats we are experiencing now?
If the mastermind(s) behind this bomb scare aren’t caught, then just as it is now for “cash sources”, the security personnel, and all the other stakeholders directly & indirectly involved in its transportation/logistics; I forsee these bomb threats continuing and potentially materializing into causing the physical trauma, it’s currently lacking.
However the difference in direct targets for these criminals/terrorists, will be critical infrastructure, and crowded areas (soft targets).
About The Author
Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.
