THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE not in defence of Public Defender Howard Hamilton, but in total support of his recent pronouncement.
The Leader of the Opposition chided the good gentleman because he made bold to recommend that business people make funds available towards urban renewal (inner city). This could help to eliminate crime and unemployment in inner cities. The Opposition Leader responded by saying this was not the job of the Public Defender. I wonder when one's contract was so exclusive, that it prevented one from making a valid suggestion!
Now Mr. Editor, in respect to Mr. Hamilton's suggestion that a red light district be created, that again was summarily dismissed by the Minister of Health. Most major cities, Mr. Editor, have red light districts. By that same creation the Minister would have regulatory control over commercial sex workers, and to some extent oversight through constant examination of the C.S.W. and in particular STD and HIV. We could certainly pass a law called the prostitution act, legalising same and allowing the Minister of Finance authority to collect revenue in the form of GCT.
Undoubtedly Mr. Editor, the Public Defender is working, namely through other worthwhile pronouncements that he has made, making Rastafarian an accepted religion, the cross-border prosecution of delinquent fathers, and the seeking of compensation of those who died in the West Kingston fiasco.
When both sides of the political divide squeal, it tells me that the Public Defender is acting with impartiality. I say "Juke dem Howie, fling lots a rock stone inna de hog pen, when it lik dem, dem wi bawl". Recently your gesture of taking the bus was a wonderful act. Hoping Sir, that it is not the case that was suggested by one paper's caricature that your vehicle may have been repossessed.
I am etc.,
EARL LAWRENCE
Boscobel P.O.
St Mary
