THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN LIGHT of The Gleaner's front page article "No anger against JUTC", dated August 21, 2002, I was surprised at the statement given by Political Ombudsman Bishop Hero Blair. I quote "We feel the anger was not against JUTC or the service but it was against the individual (driver) from a perception that he had an intent to kill."
I understand that he was trying to encourage the company to resume service on the suspended route due to the commuters who are suffering. However, based on that statement, I am of the opinion that Bishop Blair implies that the actions of the mob is one of retaliation and self-defence. No matter the events, the driver had a right to life just as any other human being. Imagine the terror the individual felt to be pursued by an angry crowd, cornered like an animal, stabbed several times and throat slashed. I would not wish that fate for my worst enemy.
An angry mob's "directed anger" to a lone individual with "intent to kill" should not be an excuse for committing such a vile and vicious act. There is no excuse for violence; the people who committed this gruesome act are no better than murderers themselves.
I sympathise with the JUTC and the employees. I hope that effective measures will be implemented to ensure not only the security of the JUTC personnel but other Jamaican citizens as well. Wake up people! The power to change is in our hands, we have to begin with ourselves and realise that violence begets violence and thus the cycle will never end.
I am, etc.,
NIKISHA DEWAR
43 Ebony Road
Kingston 11
