LETTER OF THE DAY: Don't kill the messenger

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Gleaner's in-your-face exposure of the daily murder statistics is causing consternation in some quarters. But the people who live in the areas of the killing fields of Jamaica have always had to face the stark reality that we have been slaughtering more of our own people annually than the countries that are at war combined. Hiding the truth may lull us into a false sense of security which allows the 'infama fi dead' mentality to continue to enslave us to the merciless taskmaster of crime and corruption.

However, we must begin to understand that reporting is not wrong nor is the one making the report. It is the lawless deeds which are wrong. When we keep quiet about the wrong, whether it is a relative or not, that too is an egregious wrong. Are we saying as long as we don't know, it is all right for us to continue the killing?

Double-mindedness aiding crime

Jamaica cries out to God, 'Justice, truth be ours forever' then when the truth is revealed we say, "Don't tell us." It is also the same pervasive double-mindedness that makes it impossible to fight crime. Better still, if we would report on ourselves and be healed of the guilt which makes us compel others to be silent.

On this matter of truth and justice, the whole business of the extradition of Mr Coke could be brought to a good end for Jamaica and for Mr Coke, if Mr Coke himself would be courageous enough to walk into the United States Embassy and say to them: "Spare yourselves the trouble, I am ready to stand before your courts and tell the truth." What a hero he would be! What a position of strength he would immediately gain to negotiate with the Americans himself.

Coke can turn the tide

What a heroic thing he would have done to prevent the bloodletting of his innocent Jamaican brothers and sisters. If Zeeks could end the riot downtown by telling the people to go home, Christopher Coke can certainly take the opportunity to turn the tide of crime, violence and corruption in Jamaica by letting this all have a good end, and without the help of anyone who can call in a favour. He has nothing to lose by taking charge of his own fate and everything to lose by allowing anyone who has something to lose to take charge of his.

Mr Coke should remember that, given our lack of regard for life, he probably stands a better chance in the American justice system of keeping his life.

I am, etc.,

Yvonne O. Coke

Hands Across Jamaica For Righteousness

handsacrossjamaica@hotmail.com