EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Family Life Ministries, Dr Barry Davidson, has called on journalists to stop sensationalising crime when reporting it. He suggested that by doing so, they are contributing to its perpetuation.

Dr Davidson was speaking on Wednesday night at the Press Association of Jamaica's Corporate Area installation ceremony for new members, held at the Guardian Life Centre in New Kingston.

Dr Davidson noted: "Journalists are well placed to influence positive action and change in the society. They can reach a large constituency of persons who look to them for guidance and inspiration." He called on journalists to use this influence in a positive manner and report stories in a way that can contribute to the healing of the nation.

Imparting positive values

However, he said that the responsibility for imparting positive values should not be one that is limited to journalists; rather, every citizen has a part to play. He reinforced the importance of biblical teachings and the need to get back to a place where being our brother's and sister's keeper is the default behaviour.

Dr Davidson also emphasised the importance of forgiveness as a method of bringing about healing, both individual and collective. According to the psychologist, "Hate can be cured and pain alleviated/soothed when we are able to heal ourselves by forgiving." He noted that many people saw forgiveness as equal to tolerance and trust, but said this was not so. Rather, forgiveness, he said, allowed the wronged individual to gain peace and healing.

Seek forgiveness

Dr Davidson said that in order to liberate Jamaica from its suffering, the perpetrators of crime and violence needed to seek forgiveness from those they had wronged, and just as important, the victims needed to grant this forgiveness.

Dr Davidson's presentation was entitled "Responding to Crime and Violence in Jamaica", and was delivered at the first of two installation ceremonies for new Corporate Area members of the Press Association of Jamaica. The ceremony was held in collaboration with Guardian Life Limited. The second inauguration ceremony will be held early in 2009.