Garth Rattray

The recent history of singer, Siccature Alcock (Jah Cure), provides the classic example of why we need to address certain aspects of our judicial system. It was alleged that (then 19-year-old) Alcock andan accomplice held up two women and two men at gunpoint in St. James on the night of November 8, 1998. Their victims were assaulted and robbed. The women were also abducted and brutally raped.

Police investigations and the lack of an alibi led to the arrest and conviction of Alcock.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape, robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of a firearm. He used to vehemently maintain his innocence. This resulted in prolonged, widespread calls for his release. While imprisoned, Alcock gained local and international acclaim because of his remarkable talent - even I like his songs. Alcock was released on parole in July 2007 after eight years of incarceration.

'Prison nuh have nuting fi change nobody'

Alcock claims that he improved himself by his own dint. "Di prison nuh have nuting fi change nobody, nuting at all. Nuh heap of skills nuh down there fi help nobody at all. Mi do wah mi do, it work out. Nobody nuh provide nuh service." Yet, he's reported to have praised the rehabilitation programme highly and asserted that it worked for him and many others. Perhaps the truth lies (forgive the oxymoronic pun) in these statements by him, "De warder dem a watch me behavioural pattern and if me get hold down because of her argument, den me know sey rehabilitation nuh real." And, "Right now me a rehabilitate and it is not a case of guilty or innocent anymore. It is all about rehabilitation."

I wonder, what is Alcock's concept of rehabilitation? Is Jah Cure rehabilitated (cured) or did he simply toe the line in order to qualify for early release on parole? In other words, how do we determine whether or not any felon is rehabilitated? Does 'good behaviour' suffice? 'Rehabilitation' assumes that all people start out being good but stray into criminal activity and therefore need 'treatment'. Rehabilitation means bringing a criminal into a more normal mental state thus making him/her an asset rather than a liability to society. What is the case with Jah Cure?

First, he stoutly defended his innocence. Then, about two years ago, he was less forceful with his assertions of virtue. Now, he says that he has paid (for the brutal rape of a 17-year-old girl) and is looking forward to good things. In the meantime, his victim (now 25-years-old) still suffers from the horror, indignity, invasion, brutality and a lifetime of mental anguish because of the rape". All she asks is that he "admit to his wrong and apologise publicly". This has not been forthcoming. And, when asked about past regrets, Jah Cure responded, "The only thing me sorry sey, is dat me never get to finish my schooling. Dat a de only thing me sorry bout, but anuh my fault." Yet, Jah Cure sings about love and says, "Love ya brother, love your sister - Love one another (from Love Is - 2005)."

Prison sentences end on completion of the period of parole. That's also when rehabilitative efforts by the state end. I maintain that part of rehabilitation should be for convicts of serious crimes to apologise publicly to their victims, the victim's family and society. They should also engage in some form of anti-crime campaign. This might be the nearest measure of true rehabilitation (a cure) that we will ever have.