JFJ should focus on justice systems that will work for all
Dear Editor,
While not disputing the number of people killed by the security forces, as presented by Jamaicans for Justice, I think their approach in bringing to light the figures underscores for many why they are seen as biased and yet to establish themselves as totally fair. Is it fair to assume that all those killed by the security forces were murdered, or did some individuals present a threat to the officers and society when confronted?
While I have no problem in calling out agents of the state when they commit atrocities against individuals, who at that time posed no threat to themselves or anyone, we must be careful in sensationalising our point. If citing individual cases as examples in state killings are used, shouldn’t all state killings be looked at individually in our reporting? Every case, I am certain, is unique. However, eyewitness statements or figures do not mean bias does not exist in the reporting. In a case where a young man is killed by the security forces in a firefight and his weapon taken up by members of his community who then make allegations of murder, what then? Are these cases also used to state police excesses when the right to life of these state agents came under threat?
JFJ, while your efforts are noble, you have to be fair-minded, objective and not seen as leaning one way or the other. It is true that some innocent people are killed by state agents. However, were they all innocent? Have any of you ever gone along with the security forces on a night patrol in communities to verify that all your statistics could stand up, if challenged? Some Jamaicans are known to speak the truth only when it benefits them, likewise some in the security forces will seek to spin the truth to their benefit. Therefore, there is always a grey area in between.
I think that organisations like JFJ should focus on assisting constructing public justice systems that will work for all. See where they can lobby to get an individual yet separate part of the justice system to deal exclusively with state matters in a special court.
Iva Rolle
Nassau, Bahamas
151 Carmichael Road
iva_rolle@yahoo.com
