Dear Editor,
As lads, we had implanted in our minds the concept of justice where we were shown a female holding a scale that was balanced. It symbolized a kind of justice that is even-handed as it applied to all and ensured the integrity of a society.
Recently, I was in the South Georgetown area and heard stories from relatives of young men who were summarily executed by the police. One youngster with no previous conviction, complained how he was picked up by the law enforcement agency and locked up for several days – no charges. I have spoken to persons who have lost money, their precious possessions and have been terrorized as a result of attacks by bandits. None of us should empathize, sympathize or be on the side of those who steal, or cause terror. But here lies my concern.
These persons who are killed by the police, or held for days at police stations and yet others languishing in the prisons awaiting trial, represent one unacceptable form of criminality. But today, we see those who steal millions, acquire state property for very little, sell goods, not one, two or three times, but more than twenty times higher than what we can purchase at any shop. This is high class ‘thievery.’
We have those contractors who deliver work valued at a few thousand dollars but receive millions of dollars. This latter category parade before us on a daily basis in their luxury cars, attend cocktail parties and like the noveau riche are even held in awe by some ordinary folks.
I ask this question, why it is that the system in our society applies different measures and forms of punishment for stealing?
Mr President, Mr Commissioner of Police, Members of Parliament, it is about time that we recast our mode of operation, so that, while the young man I spoke to who admitted snatching a chain valued at fifteen thousand dollars, must spend months of horror in our prisons, some others who steal millions are walking, or rather, driving around in comfort and enjoying freedom.
The big question is when, according to my good friend, C N Sharma, will we get Justice For All.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP
