THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am outraged at some of the statements by Dr. Peter Phillips regarding his strategies to nab migrating criminals. The primary example of his statements that outrage me is this one: "Much emphasis will be placed on curbing the movement of criminals across the country ...". I hope that he understands the full impact of such a statement and I further hope that maybe I have simply misunderstood. So I would like to invite Dr. Phillips to help me understand.
Dr. Phillips, How are the police forces supposed to identify a "migrating criminal"? By "criminal" do you mean someone formally accused of a crime, someone on a list of known suspects, someone out on bail, someone on probation, someone with an outstanding arrest warrant, someone convicted of a crime, or someone who simply looks like a criminal?
Let's hope you actually mean a convicted criminal on the loose because, correct me if I am wrong here, unless ordered by a court to remain in a specific area, aren't all citizens free to move about in their own country?
Dr. Phillips, Do you only intend to burden those driving with this medieval inquisition or do you also plan to examine those using public transportation, walking, and riding bicycles, mules etc.?
Dr. Phillips, you made the statement: "In view of the spotlight that will be turned on the highways and byways in order to thwart the free movement of criminal elements, I would urge members of the public to adhere to road traffic regulations ...". What exactly are you asking the public to do here? Are we supposed to simply stop and agree to being questioned, present requested identification in order to go to Clarendon, humbly return home when told we look like migrating criminals?
What actions will be taken when a suspected migrating criminal is uncovered? Will they be apprehended on the spot or simply told to return home? What recourse will I have if I am prevented from going to Clarendon because I was thought to be a migrating criminal?
I fear that in practice ordinary people, going about their business, will be questioned and detained without any due process. If we are now at the point where people will be questioned based solely no the fact that they are leaving Kingston then this does not sound like life in a democratic free country.
I am horrified by the violence in Jamaica. But I fear that this medicine is going to cause me more pain than the illness it is trying to cure. Find another way, Dr. Phillips.
I am, etc.,
LEIGHTON
California
USA
Via Go-Jamaica
