THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE KRAAL trial generated much attention and interest because many Jamaicans are dissatisfied with the state of justice in our nation. The unreasonably high murder rate, instances of corruption, stories of police excesses and our political climate have left many of us feeling that those responsible for the governance of this nation have fallen down on its management. The exercise of justice and the maintenance of law and order are the purview of Government, and good management does not just happen; it must be made to happen.
Jamaicans feel that the legitimate systems are failing them so badly that even if someone has to break the law to feel that they have received 'justice', they see nothing wrong with this because, in their view, the end justifies the means.
LINE BETWEEN JAMAICANS
The verdict of the Kraal trial has drawn another line between Jamaicans. Many persons are impressed with Mr. Adams' ability to get his job done. They are happy with the 'not guilty' verdict passed on Mr. Adams and his men as they feel that the charge against the officers was another attempt to prevent poor people from getting justice. Others are unhappy, feeling that justice has not been served, and this case is simply another instance of the failure of the legitimate system. Law-abiding citizens and police officers are left disagreeing with one another and among themselves, when ultimately we all want the same thing: we want the proper legal and moral signs put in place; we want justice to be served and the stability of our nation strengthened and maintained.
It is a strange and terrible indictment on a nation when its citizens feel that in order to have justice they must act out and approve what is contrary to the law, as is the case with vigilante justice. As a nation, we cannot condone illegal actions and hope to survive; we would be fighting against ourselves. The leaders of this nation have an obligation to act so that the quality of justice delivered by the state does not leave people thinking that it is all right to take matters into their own hands, thereby increasing friction, confusion and lawlessness, and pushing justice further away from us. All of us have a responsibility in the maintenance of law and order, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to lead and manage.
I am, etc.,
JEAN FISHER
Runaway Bay
