THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON BEHALF of the poor people - the least, the last and the lost -, I am ready to risk the loss of my liberty to join with the Cornwall Bar Association in demanding that the government withdraw immediately the proposed amendments to the "Fingerprint Act."
I fail to understand why at such a critical time in Jamaica's history, the government is taking away from us the very fundamental rights and freedoms that made us proud as a democratic nation. Could it be that our elected representatives have lost touch with the people?
Mr. Editor, I wish to remind our elected representatives that politicians come and politicians go, but our God-given freedoms will remain forever. Our forefathers fought and paid the price of freedom with their lives and we will not stand by quietly and allow a privileged few to sweep away our rights under the carpet.
We the people are satisfied with the current "Fingerprint Act". We the people are content with the court order coming down from the Resident Magistrate. When s/he makes a ruling that an accused person must be finger-printed. We demand nothing more: therefore preserve this right.
Parliament must not be allowed to play "politricks" with the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people. We had our sacred God-given rights and the freedom from arbitrary arrest is no exception. We the people do not trust your motives in calling for an amendment to the "Fingerprint Act" because we fear for our safety from abuse. Furthermore you may be violating the International Convention on Human Rights. Parliamentarians, I urge you, please keep your pens away from the people's law.
I am, etc.,
Dr. G. GEORGE WILSON
Christian Pastoral Counsellor/Religious Advisor
Mayfield Drive
Kingston 8
