THE EDITOR, Madam:
CONGRATULATIONS TO Miss Doreen Frankson for her paint-mobile, but not for the remarks she made about "those people who find it fashionable to tar-brush the entire police force as villains."
I rather think she is applying the tar-brush to those citizens from all walks of life, all parties and denominations, and none who are concerned about justice for all Jamaicans.
Far from tar-brushing the police we work with them whenever and wherever possible. For instance in Grants Pen, Jamaicans For Justice has very good relations with the police and has been organising a youth and sports group at which Police and Youth come together. This helps to break down pre-conceptions of both the area youth and the police.
On the other hand, where people have been beaten up or shot and killed by the police where no threat to the police existed, we have tried to get justice on behalf of the victims or their families. Michael Gayle is an example.
Although after much lobbying, a post-mortem and official enquiry were held, no answers have been given and it is now a year since he was beaten to death.
The security forces have a difficult job to do but they will get little information or assistance if they take the law into their own hands and terrorise people and communities.
People's perception is that the law works for the rich and powerful and against the small man. If we want unity to tackle our problems we must have equality before the law.
Justice and accountability are what we are working for.
I am etc.,
MARGARET HODGES
Jamaicans for Justice
Via Go-Jamaica
