The Editor, Sir:

I am disappointed with Ms. Walker's assertion that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe should be welcomed in Jamaica. Although I agree that Mugabe was once a defender of the poor and a champion of the oppressed, it is now he who is the oppressor.

For years, the United Kingdom Government was funding the purchase of land from white Zimbab-wean farmers for distribution to black, landless Zimbabweans. However, that programme was stopped when it became obvious that the purchased land was actually being transferred to government ministers and other ZANU-PF cronies, instead of to the poor.

Illegal land seizures

When this funding ended, Mugabe accused the British of being unwilling to "right the wrongs of the past" and started the illegal land seizures (these were illegal under Zimbabwean laws, that Mugabe was sworn to uphold). He also used the police and military to harass, intimidate, maim and kill Zimbabwean citizens (more blacks than whites) who dared support the opposition party.

I would be ashamed to be Jamaican if my compatriots were willing to welcome a man like Mugabe, just as I was ashamed when Jamaicans welcomed Winnie Mandela.

Being a good person in the past does not give one a free pass to commit crimes in the present.

I am, etc.,

STEFAN P.A. BRAND

anynamethatworks@hotmail.com

Orlando, FL

Via Go-Jamaica