Theme:

Juvenile Delinquency in Jamaica

Topic:
Juvenile Delinquency: The Causes,
Effects, Prevention and Treatment

Title of Reflective Piece:

Flashback (A Narrative)

PREFACE

Context

Exposure to violence at home, school and the community at large are some of the
factors which arguably
contribute to the level of juvenile delinquency within Jamaica. To this end, the
concept of Juvenile
delinquency has cast a negative light on the countrys image on the international
scene. Often times, if
Juvenille crimes and delinquent activities are not dealt with from early the
consequences or future
repercussions can be devastating.

Purpose
The writer was inspired to compose a story entitled Flashback which seeks to highlight
the effects of
early juvenile delinquent activities. The story suggests that students or children who are
considered
delinquent, may actually grow up to commit heinous crimes.

Audience
Just about anyone who is of Caribbean descent or origin, will find this piece interesting, as it touches a
topical issue that pervades the society on a daily basis.

Reflective piece
'Flashback'

After a hectic day at work, I hurriedly came home to the luxury of my

penthouse apartment, overlooking the beautiful city of Manhattan. As I turned the
keys, an eerie yet uncanny feeling overcame me. For some reason, I couldn't
explain the feeling. However, I quickly dismissed itand attributed it to the peak
season of my stressful job.
The stairs seemed impossible to climb so I didn't make it pass the couch. As I
removed my tie the feeling came back. I was always told that I had a discerning
spirit. This time however, my gift was as opaque as a filthy window.
The smashing hits from yesteryear blazing through the radio eased my
discomfort, but not for long. The programme was interrupted by a news bulletin
stating that Dobba, a Jamaican, was to be extradited. Despite my fight with
slumber, that was the one word that resonated. Dobba.
Dobba? I whispered repeatedly. That name was vaguely familiar. I couldnt
understand why that name was etched in my mind, but suddenly, like a boomerang,
it came back to me.
It was the9thgradeof John Gordon Technical High School, 1999.The bell rang,
signalling not only the end of lunch time, but possibly the end of our lives. Every
day at this time, there would be a dash towards what we called the finish
line.Inthis race however, studentswere greeted by the screams of Mrs Taylor rather
than cheering fans.
I want to see a single line before you enter my class she said, and dont
you dare try coming in here without my assignment!.The haunting sounds of Mrs.
Taylors warning ran through the air like the eye of a hurricane.
She had a very grim appearance.Her hunched back,moustache and voice
deeper than any baritone singer, were quite pronounced. Her teeth had no chance
to bear a smile, and her wrinkled face gained her the alias of BC:Before Christ.
She had the deadliest stares, but her punishments were even more deadly. Mrs.
Taylor mastered the art of making children shiver uncontrollably; except for one
brave soul. Dobba.
The older Dobb grew, the more recalcitrant he became. Dobba feared
nothing. No man, no creature and certainly not Mrs. Taylor.He was the only student
courageous enough to go toe to toe with her, despite her 6 frame towering over
his 53 stature.
"Who really fraid a d.t. miss?"Dobba said. "Is that really the best you can
do?"Dobba exclaimed as he hissed his teethwhilechewing on a piece of grass.
I see you have no manners, Mrs. Taylor muttered under her breath.

Dobba suddenly laughedand in a jeering way replied; I see youve met your
match.
We had all grown accustomed to their daily banter, but nothing could prepare
us for what came next.
"This is why I strongly advocate for the use of contraceptives. I don't know
what your parents were thinking", Mrs Taylor said in a fit of rage.
Gwaan you hearGwaan Mrs. Rock of Ages. Dobba began to make his way
from the back of the class towards her desk. Suddenly he reached into his pocket
and pulled out a fake 9mm pistol.As pandemonium erupted in the middle of
mathematics class, Mrs Taylor our teacher suddenly collapsed and
sprawled unconcious on the floor. It was terrifying.The heart that we thought
was made of stone, proved to be quite fragile.
Jesam peace Dobba you kill har? Jessie-Rae the form captain exclaimed as
shejoined the chorus of screamers.
Dobba did not even pull the trigger, but he was quite aware of the damage he
had done. Ironically, he cowered with fear, grabbed his bag and jumped through the
window. That was the first time I saw a dead body, and the last time I saw Dobba.

Written By: Mr. R. Smith

English Department- Wolmers High School for Boys
September, 2013