We don't expect this one to go down well with everyone, but the truth is that Mr Siccature Alcock, better known to the wider public as 'Jah Cure', has, according to the rule of law that governs this country, paid the debt required of him for being found guilty of robbing and then raping a woman at gunpoint.

Despite his protestations of innocence, he was sentenced to a 12-year prison term - of which he legitimately served eight - and is now, in theory, a free man.

So even though we can well imagine how outraged certain interest groups may be by the fact that he is now poised to make millions of dollars from overseas tours and other ventures in his musical career, we feel constrained to point out that protests against his right to travel and earn a living are simply unwarranted.

Remember, the penal system is not just about retribution, it's also about rehabilitation. That means that when an individual is locked up for committing a crime, the ultimate objective, after extracting the measure of recompense that the judge deems appropriate on behalf of the victim and society, is to equip said individual to resume his place in the world and carry on with the business of life.
That's the deal.

And out of respect for that deal, we submit that convicts who have done their time should be allowed to carry on with the business of life without being harassed or victimised.
Of course, individuals reserve the right to choose whose artistic endeavours they will support or reject. That's their prerogative.
And the British Home Office officials who are reported by the Daily Mail newspaper's website as denying Jah Cure entry to their country on the basis that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, are not under any obligation to let him in. That decision rests within the parameters of their remit.

We would hope though, that their decision would not be based on his past, but rather on the impact that they believe his entry would currently have on the public good.
If they decide that the public good in their country would not be served by Jah Cure's entry, then that's that.
We are sure that in an age ruled by technology, Jah Cure and his publicists will find other legitimate means of getting his message across the globe.

In the meantime, those who seek to support the young lady and others like her who have suffered the humiliation and psychological damage that come with the passage of rape cases through the courts, would be advised to take a look at the possible legal remedies available through the civil justice system.

With the right arguments, they will find that it is more than possible to convince the court to award damages against convicted rapists, murderers and other individuals who mess up life for their victims.

Jamaican Folk Singers concert season September 6-14

Adopt A Band

Summer ends with Summer's Cool this Saturday