Letters

What do we prioritise?

THE EDITOR MADAM:

AS I LISTENED to the recent public discussions pertaining to the release of murder figures by the police, I couldn't help wondering if the parties involved were mindful of the fact that they were counting the number of human lives taken by other human beings who are members of the society and more than likely these murderers listen to these discussions.

Human rights

It is most unfortunate that the most fundamental of rights ­ the right to life ­ seems to be less important than the right to information about the number of persons whose right to life has been violated. This is not meant to trivialize the importance of other human rights and the need for access to information; but we need to work together to stop the wanton waste of human life in this country.

In my view, disagreements with the security forces should not always be a matter for public debate. The various interest groups can meet in a private forum to settle their differences. Too much wrangling in public sends the wrong signals to those who fear not God nor regard man.

Criminal behaviour

Let us bear in mind that criminals are members of the society. They live among us, and they already have an advantage as they can listen to all the security arrangements that have been made public. Let us try not to take for granted that our condemnation of criminal behaviour including the murderous acts of some among us is understood while we concentrate on keeping a tally of the number of lives taken from day to day.

I am etc

WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN

winab@cwjamaica.com

Bagatelle District

Ashley P.A.

Clarendon