THE EDITOR, Sir:
JAMAICA IS currently experiencing a protracted period of increased crime and violence. Every law-abiding citizen would love to see a quick solution to this scourge that is engulfing our society. There is a plethora of suggestions being forwarded as to how to solve the problems. Chief among these has been the repeated call for the resumption of hanging. I am not sure why there is a delay in resuming hanging but I feel it does no good saying that it will not stem the murder rate. If the government wants to know what effect hanging murderers would have on the murder rate, they just simply have to hang those murderers whom they are sure committed the offence and let us see the effect. After all, it is still on our books as the ultimate form of punishment for committing murder.
NO DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Politicians are at the forefront of those persons positing suggestions to solve the crime and violence problem in Jamaica. They are expected to produce clear, realistic and practical solutions to problems facing the society. Mr. Delroy Chuck, Opposition M.P., has suggested that stun guns and pepper spray should be readily available to law-abiding citizens for their protection from criminals. This is such a ridiculous suggestion. There are no distinguishing features that delineate a law-abiding citizen from a person with violent or criminal intentions and so when everybody has these implements, the latter will be even more dangerous as he/she now has another weapon and one that he/she does not have to hide from the police.
Just picture everybody walking around with a stun gun on one hip and a can of pepper spray on the other, just like they are doing with the cellular phones. It would be interesting to hear how persons would be prevented from using these weapons for offence rather than defence. What would prevent persons from attacking their enemies or persons with whom they have a grouse with these dangerous weapons?
I do not think that this suggestion should even be discussed. I think it is a waste of creative energy that could be best utilised in trying to find a way to resume hanging without backlash from our benefactors abroad and human rights organisations locally. I think Parliament should channel the energy being wasted on this debate into the following areas:
Encourage people to live together in peace
Development of an efficient and effective justice system
Development of an impeccable, well-equipped and effective police force
Development of sustainable socio-economic programmes in crime-ridden areas
I think the idea of legalising pepper spray and stun guns is thinking too far outside the box.
I am, etc.,
GEORGE YOUNG
cachidodo@yahoo.com
