Unbiased kudos to Espeut
published: Friday | October 14, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to thank Peter Espeut for his hard-hitting commentary "The Mother of all Garrisons" in The Gleaner of Tuesday, October 12, where he declares Admiral Lewin's "garrison" statement to be true. While I myself am unable to contradict or concur with his statements, it takes extraordinary courage nowadays to speak in unbiased terms, make unpopular observations, and not only look into the abyss, but to declare the horrors therein. Too often, we are more inclined to call a spade a trowel, and refuse to come to terms with any other reality than the one we have firmly established in our minds.

Yes, Tivoli's crime rate is zero, and yes, the public decorum of its constituents is reputed to be admirable. But if there is evidence that this well-organised garrison is guilty of aiding and abetting crime perpetrated in other areas, should we naively turn a blind eye?

The nation has already been robbed of its innocence and is bordering on chaos and total anarchy. If we are really serious about ending this vicious cycle of brutality that is draining the lifeblood of the society, then we had better be prepared to acknowledge some painful and ugly realities, and let go of the vain platitudes.

I am, etc.,

ELAINE MURPHY

elimurf@hotmail.com

Rosedale, NY

Via Go-Jamaica