THE EDITOR, Sir:

I read with interest a news item in The Gleaner's March 7, 2007 edition, titled, 'Another U.S. report fails Ja'. This is yet another example of the 'pot calling the kettle black', for all over the world the United States is known for its wanton use of excessive force on detainees and prisoners.

This is not to say that Jamaica is inculpable of the indictment launched against its security and law enforcement personnel, but I find it quite audacious of the U.S. to be issuing 'failing grades in human rights practices'.

For the record, the U.S. is one of the top three nations repeatedly condemned by human rights organisations, and one of the highest in court-sanctioned execution of prisoners (many of whose guilt remains questionable), human rights violations of foreign nationals, prison guards abuses and murders, and gang-related violent crimes. But, again, the U.S. is masterfully trying to redirect the focus of attention from itself by pointing its fingers.

The U.S. is no role model in human rights, and if it took the time to look in the mirror of moral aptitude, it would be embarrassed to find that it has long ago flunked its own tests.

I am, etc.,

DESMOND WILLIAMS

President

Caribbean African Unity

Stormville, New York<