Bring back the flogging
published: Monday | June 14, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS THE crime situation spirals out of control and as our leaders pussyfoot around the issue of hanging, let us look at one drastic measure (Draconian even) that the Government could take in the interim. How about re-introducing public flogging for petty crimes? This would help to ease some of the pressure on our prison systems caused from overcrowding.

If a man beats his wife ­ flog him. If someone picks pockets ­ flog him. If someone commits praedial larceny ­ flog him. By flogging them publicly, we not only punish the person, but also humiliate them. Think about it. When we were children and misbehaved, the humiliation of being flogged in front of our siblings and friends hurt even more than the pain of the good old leather belt.

In many cases, it was the memory that kept us on the straight and narrow path. Petty criminals will certainly think twice about pursuing a life of crime after being flogged. Can we deal with the little problems before they become big ones? Can we flog some discipline into this country?

I am, etc.,

JANICE SEATON

jaeseaton@hotmail.com

Mandeville,

Manchester

Via Go-Jamaica