The Editor, Sir:

Twenty-six people murdered in a population of 2.6 million in a year is frightening, but in four days! There is no word to describe this massacre in any language except genocide.

Usually this word is reserved for political, ethnic or cultural group massacre, and we may say it does not apply. But it does. Political - in Jamaica, any party but mine; ethnic - black people; cultural - brand Jamaican.

I have been hearing some people say that the state of the nation reflects the state of the Church. Why? We do need a scapegoat, and why not the Church? Let me ask this question: Are church people generally the ones murdering and maiming? Let me ask again: Do church people rob and kill just to get guns to rob and kill?

One last question. Let's assume that this one is coming from God, in answer to our prayer: 'Justice, truth be ours forever'. What is God to do with the blood of the murdered Jamaicans (in whom was his image which has been cut off from its full expression of blessing to the whole human race), which continually cries out to him for vengeance from the soil of Jamaica? Who is to be held responsible? Upon whose house should he begin to visit upon their heads what they have meted out? He's just checking if we know the answer.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth THAT (my emphasis) shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7, KJV).

I am, etc.,

YVONNE O. COKE

handsacrossjamaica@hotmail.com

Hands Across Jamaica For

Righteousness

Kingston 5

Via Go-Jamaica