Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann 2:41 PM
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine 2:32 PM
Samuels century leads Windies fightback 1:18 PM
Bolt clocks pedestrian time to win Ostrava 100m 1:03 PM
Churches raising money to fight gay marriage 12:20 PM
Escaped prisoner back in custody 12:06 PM
News
US Jamaicans urge return of capital punishment
BY HAROLD G BAILEY Observer writer
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
NEW YORK, USA — Incensed by last week's murder of eight people in the St Catherine community of Tredegar Park, as well as previous murders this month, some Jamaican nationals here want a return to capital punishment as part of measures to stem the murder rate in their homeland.
The measure has not been carried out since 1991, and has been suspended since 1995 following the landmark ruling by the British Privy Council in the Pratt and Morgan murder case.
That ruling determined that it was inhumane to carry out executions of persons who have been on death row for five years or more.
But according to Observer interviews, there is a real sense of urgency and a deep desire among Jamaicans here for a serious reduction in the country's murder rate and one way to .
Audley Sylvester, a Brooklyn-based businessman said that while he understands that there are risks associated with the death penalty, especially as it relates to the possible execution of the innocent, "a stand has to be taken against the hardcore criminals who show no respect for human lives".
He said if the perpetrators of murders continue to feel they will not face a similar fate as their victims they will continue to destroy the country.
Support for a return to capital punishment also came from Connecticut resident Milton Edwards who argued that "it should be used once all doubts of innocence have been removed".
Similar sentiments were also expressed by Patricia Jones,a travel agent who pointed to the "serious effects the murder rate is having on tourism and Jamaicans who want to invest in our country".
Curtis Martin, a Masachusetts state police officer, also offered what he said was conditional support for the death penalty. He said that as long as there is overwhelming evidence backed by DNA, the measure would be appropriate.
And Earl Hall, a New York-based ex-correctional officer said he thinks capital punishment should form part of Jamaica's crime fighting strategy.
He said that even if it is used as a tool to deter those who plan and carry out such murders, it would could help to lower Jamaica's murder rate.
Still, not everyone here sees the return of capital punishment as a means of significantly reducing the murder rate in their native Jamaica.
Media personality Sharon Gordon said the question as to whether or not execution of convicted murders should resume has left her in a quandary.
On one hand, my moral conscience is saying we have to be compassionate, but what do you tell those people who have been affected by these barbaric acts?"
She said that strong action is needed to deal with the situation. And Horace Thomas, who heads the Jamaica National Movement here, said he is "totally opposed" to the idea of using capital punishment to help reduce the murder rate.
He said the matter needs increased social intervention. Thomas also pointed to swift manner in which the police have apprehended suspects in a number of the recent murders -- including the eight in Tredegar Park — as a sign that the citizens are beginning to play a more active role in fighting crime.
POST A COMMENT
You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.
HOUSE RULES
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.
2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.
8/18/2010
Murder is rampant in Jamaica because it is EASY to get away with murder. Only ~20% of murder cases in Jamaica are "cleared up" and less 10% are actually brought to trial and conviction.People are motivated by risk and reward. Crime is Jamaica carries very little risk and "great" rewards. Do you believe people would be so wiling to commit murder if they knew that top notch detective work at JCF would almost guarantee that they get caught and convicted?
8/18/2010
"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". Archaic and brutal but when criminals become animals and blind brutality reigns, there is no other real option.
It was the fear of death that made hardened criminals turn themselves in to the police recently and not the pleading from the local idiots who have come to accept this blight on decency and humanity as normal.
For 40 years we have empowered criminals but now we have to take back that power and use it to build not destroy.
8/17/2010
The JCF are already executing their catch, if that is not working why do you think hanging is going to work.
8/17/2010
And the first 50 should be done again in Half Way Tree for the public to see.
8/17/2010
An eye for an eye
8/17/2010
While the country continues to loose millions per month in tourism dollars which are vital to the sagging economy, and foreign investors shy away due to its 'murderous' reputation,I doubt if mere 'social intervention' at this point will be of any use. REINSTATE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. Do it now.Hard working , tax-paying citizens deserve the right to live peacefully without the constant fear of being murdered.
8/17/2010
Shorna Watson you evidently don't see yourself as part of the problem , and as such part of the solution. Your vision is use barbarism to counter barbarism . and as for those US Jamaicans. who are they really . you do not contribute to Jamaica's GDP , you need to remain quiet.
8/17/2010
I love my country and so are thousands of us overseas, I must also add that I am a giving person, but with the rampant murder rates in my homeland I have to endorse capital punishment. I don't care whether administered by lethal injection, hanging, decapitation or firing squad I just need innocent lives to be saved. These murderers should be scared straight. How are we going to achieve this by appealing to murderers "good side"? Ha we have our heads up our asses for too long by living in denial
8/17/2010
Jamaican politicians are a bunch of WIMPS. The previous administration waffled on hanging. The now government when in opposition promised swift action if elected, well they are three years in transition. Social intervention will help the ones on the edge. The crime wave is escalating because we have hardened criminals, terrorists beyond redemption. Apprehend them, give them their day in court and if found guilty,"Hang them High". The victims deserve better, at least they have their day in court
8/17/2010
Some of you Us Jamaicans, please talk less
how many of you send some of those same guns to Jamaica? Blood is on your hands, you're as guilty as the one who pull the trigger.
8/17/2010
Well Mr. Thomas, with all due respect, you are entitled to your own opinion concerning capital punishment, but how many more have to die, or are you waiting on personal experience, such as the killing of your loved ones before you get on board with Jamaicans who have exhausted their tolerance level of these barbaric, unscrupulous, menace in our society. Talking about compassion your extending this to the wrong people, we need these murderers dead, They need to pay back society with their life.
8/17/2010
Capital punishment has nothing to do with crime fighting, its a waste of time and not a deterrant.
The focus needs to be on crime prevention, using a three pronged attack:
Education - Blanket the nation with education, it costs less to educate then to incarcerate. Technology 2025 - in fifteen years 50% of all under 30 should have a University degree,
Major projects - massive jobs program; energy, agriculture, etc
Firearms control - without guns the murder rate drops 75%
8/17/2010
I believe in the lethal injection starting yesterday not hanging, to anyone who is found guilt without a doubt. Known gang members should be locked up as well, and used during the daytime to cultivate food and vegetable to feed those in prison. They do what they do because they have too much idle time on their hands.
8/17/2010
Hang them all. If they think hanging is too brutal use the lethal injection. They will have a more painless death.
Other Stories
Pension reforms to be implemented this year
0 comments
‘Tourism worries’ - Opposition, JHTA seek meeting with minister
0 comments
Special constable accused of corruption
0 comments
0 comments
Broadcaster Wayne Whyte returns to court July 3
0 comments
$2-m bail for businessman implicated in lottery scam
0 comments
0 comments
0 comments
0 comments
0 comments
Mexican boy's eyes gouged out 'to save the world'
0 comments
UN chief cites unacceptable violence in Syria
0 comments
Jamaica can't afford a stimulus budget — Phillips
7 comments
23.4b Tax grab - Gov't targets extra revenue
7 comments
Canada pumps $62m into Ja’s polygraph programme
0 comments
7 comments
Vendor says GCT reduction not enough
0 comments
Tax measures the death knell for tourism — Cummings
5 comments
Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle
0 comments
Shaw says taxes will hit small businesses
2 comments
RSS Feeds
