THE EDITOR, Sir:
MANY OF our youths are infected with the propensity to deviate from the norm and display qualities which render them profligates by the society. Lee Malvo is not one such youth. There is ample evidence to substantiate my view that we did not build the monster in Malvo. My fellow Jamaican is certainly wrong in all that he has done.
I don't condone wrong in any of its forms, and that is a primary feature of a genuine Jamaican. It might be unfortunate to say the least, about this brainwashed teenager who is in for a very torrid time. He will not be given a fair trial, and that is evident from all that has transpired so far.
It might be true that this age group is responsible for some of the most horrendous crimes on our beautiful shores. He is one of us and we cannot dissociate ourselves from him at this time. This is the time he needs us most. The normal role of an adult is to direct the path of youngsters, but when adults need guidance themselves how is an innocent, obedient child like Malvo to distinguish such. Remember when Ben Johnson failed his drug test in Seoul, South Korea? He was no longer an accepted Canadian.
This immigrant issue is much more important than we can ever think. Don't we ever fool ourselves, if we are black and we are Jamaicans, we will be stigmatised as elements of evil, alleged ganja pushers and abusers.
If he is to be punished, I pray they will give him a fair trial under their judicial system and their constitution. I saw his drawings on TV a few weeks ago and I think he is a rare character of strong, obvious mental capacity. He has given us bad publicity which we could do without. I do hope all these youngsters who are going abroad to plunder and kill have observed. You will be treated as adults in these unknown lands. This is a public example for you to learn from.
I am etc.,
PARIS TAYLOR
