Thick, fast and sustained the comments, criticisms, suggestions flow via the media, recreational spots, “workshops” and from government and opposition. The views are layman’s, professional, speculative, political, very emotional. Yes, in the aftermath of the fiery prison deaths during the first week of this month.
Of course, personal, community, national reaction had to be expected. Decades of contextual lawlessness, official neglect and contempt for numerous suggested prison-reform, penal improvements all exploded into arsonist deaths under the ten-month watch of the Granger government. (Just days before Stabroek News had editorialised on the state of the prison system. Almost prophetically.)
Last Friday I admitted to not having a Christian heart of forgiveness for savage murderers. I know that “God made them” and “man (probably) failed them” thus making them think nothing of raping a nine- year old or battering a ninety-year old granny. But I really have to work on my own inability to forgive such types, before I myself pass on. Again, I admire and congratulate those who can forgive even as I also grapple with our inherited and acquired sense of justice and rejection of the death penalty. At least our politicians and judicial arbiters are appropriately civilised according to Western norms. (Imagine the principled sustained strength of local judges and human rights folks whose own loved ones get bludgeoned and killed by dedicated criminals!)
Reform, savvy
contented convicts
The current inquiry into the Prison fires etcetera, the numerous neglected Reports and the experienced, cumulative wisdom of relevant, hands-on officials will all contribute to priorities with respect to prison reform.
Some will be pretty obvious but I anticipate that judicial/magisterial re-thinking and the quality of prison officials – with attitudinal and salary “review” – will now be made to fructify.
Naturally, the question is: could not home, church and school increase initiatives to prevent the young and the innocent from becoming susceptible to criminal considerations and enticements? One grows weary of “expert advice and proposals”, Reports and Strategies. Let’s see if international funding can’t be found to implement the latest proposals after the latest “findings”.
Meanwhile, my worry about the hardened professional criminals’ mindsets continues.
Before they are actually convicted, they obviously inform themselves about legal defence options and possibilities open to them. I bet that the “professionals” – and their attorneys – know what the possible penalties could be upon conviction. No real fear! No genuine remorse to show!
The convict (remanded) who (allegedly?) brutalised the old lady to death just lit another fire in Camp Street. And, reportedly, those just accused of murdering the citizen in his home in the Soesdyke area, spoke of beating the victim with pieces of wood, then tying him up and continuing the battering with concrete blocks to his head!.
In prison these dudes will maintain their Constitutional rights within our laws and civilisation. Never must they be treated as they treated (allegedly?) Mr. Breedy. We must never stoop to their levels of depravity, I’m advised.
So they enjoy prison life – even life they snatched from innocents. Contentedly, they’ll enjoy better meals free, and free medical attention I suppose whether they were found guilty or just waiting for trial, they get telephones to pose on Facebook. Justice is truly available. For them only? Discuss…
Candidate, Pope
and President
Just my way of encouraging (your) interest in the drama and robust Presidential Campaign in the United States. Where hundreds of thousands of our citizens reside.
Republican maverick billionaire Trump survives productively. The Donald has angered “his own”, the Democrats; the Catholic Pope even had subtle reprimands for the front runner and the American President was even moved to openly declare that “Trump won’t be President”.
But as the Islamic-oriented terrorists kill people in Europe and chip away at (older) Western values and life-styles, Trump’s extreme views on their arrivals and presence are resonating. Get interested folks.
A real welcome Friday
I’ll spare you-all my annual rumination on the definition of faith, this year. I’ll even forego my “understanding” that if Christians cannot accept Jesus’ triumph over bodily death – in the form of a miraculous resurrection – then they have no basis for that continued faith. (See, I have refrained from doing that.)
But to mark Good Friday I must reflect on the practicality of Disciple Thomas, called Didymus, who doubted innocently. Jesus sort of understood and showed him the evidentiary nail holes/marks. Thomas became even more reformed and dedicated.
And remember now, Leon Rockcliffe advises that today’s commemoration must be a happy event. The death was both prophesied and necessary! So Christians, Rejoice!
Ponder, reflect…
*1) Poor Lenno Craig! Having to take flack for Prime Minister Moses’ misspeak.
*2) I figure it might take another generation but the President squatting at State House’s Chowtal singing is still good symbolism. Oh, when will they really cohere?
*3) But let hope spring eternal! How good to see one-time PPP-opponent, now Guyana Times Columnist – critic Ravi D. with the Chowtal youngsters at the Brigadier–President’s residence (the House of David)! Was Ryhaan there too?
‘Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
