THE EDITOR, Sir:ON A typical market mission on a recent Friday my wife and I decided to visit the Papine Market. I walked through the market, but since I had recently sprained my ankle, I did not linger but went and sat in our car, which was parked on Papine Road, while my wife completed her shopping.
Two men, (one in dreadlocks with a red scarf on part of his head, reaching down to his neck), stopped on the pavement by the car, talking to each other. They were both, slim and well-built. Their conversation went on while the one without dreadlocks, was urinating by the wall of the market. I felt that this was a disgusting thing to do, and was minded to ask him why he did not use the facilities in the market. I restrained myself. They lingered for sometime talking to each other in subdued tones.
Suddenly the one with the dreadlocks approached me. I was sitting in the driver's seat and the windows were nearly fully down. His companion beside him. His tone was menacing. He demanded money and told me that he had a gun. I don't recall what was my response to him. He came nearer to the window of the car, put his hand through the open window and rifled my left trouser pocket, taking out my wallet. He opened it and asked if that was all the money I had it was $1,150. He proceeded to move away and I asked him why he was taking away my documents. He did not reply. Both of them casually walked away.
This incident took place at about 10:45 a.m. in broad daylight. That section of the road is quite busy with traffic going both ways. Nearby, traders were selling their goods on the sidewalk. Immediately I decided to move the car, find my wife in the market and leave the area.
I was, at first, inclined to report the incident to the Papine Police Station. On further reflection I felt that, under the circumstances, I may be setting up myself as a target. Instead, I reported it to the Matilda's Corner Police at 11:20 a.m. There was a woman Police Corporal on Guard Duty. I reported that, besides the cash that was in my wallet, there were two English Credit Cards (a Master Card and a Visa Card). There was also my Electoral Registration Identification Card. She made a note of the details, took my telephone number, and said that she would pass the information on to the Papine Police who would get in touch with me.
The loss of credit cards was eventually reported to HSBC (an English bank). A courteous and helpful young lady, after ascertaining certain security information from me, advised that purchases on the card would be stopped. I should destroy my wife's two cards, because they are on the same account. Replacements would be sent to us as quickly as possible.
Contacted the Electoral Office of Jamaica and advised of the loss of my Electoral Registration Card. Was advised that I had to call at the office and make a report. There would be, (what sounded like), a $1,000 charge for a replacement in three days, or a $400 charge for a replacement in seven days. Think I'll forget it!
Later in the afternoon I remembered that my Driver's Licence Card was also in my wallet. Contacted Papine Police (who made no mention that they had been advised of the incident by their colleagues at Matilda's Corner). I was advised, that I would have to call at their office. I would be given a letter so that I can apply for a replacement.
The comments of my wife and friends regarding the incident is that they are glad that I was not hurt and that the young men should be prayed for. I confess, however, that it is difficult for me to pray for these varmints who violated my person, and through their wickedness have imposed on me considerable inconvenience.
It is a sad fact that there is an unacceptable level of vulgarity, coarseness and vicious behaviour in our beautiful island.
The Apostle Paul has a word in the 12th chapter of his letter to the Christians at Rome "Never repay evil with evil but let everyone see that you are interested only in the highest ideals. Do allyou can to live at peace with everyone. Never try to get revenge; leave that,my friends to God's anger. As scripture says: "Vengeance is mine I will pay them back, the Lord promises. But there is more:
If your enemy is hungry, you should give him food, and if he is thirsty, let him drink. Thus you heap red-hot coals on his head. Resist evil and conquer it with good." Jerusalem Version.
Of this I am certain: I am unable, on my own, to obey these precepts.
I am etc.,
LESLIE L. SCAFE
Kingston 10
