Dear Editor,

The outcry of the hypocritical Jamaican public is absolutely disturbing and upsetting. Yes, the death of Mario Deane is unfortunate, but as the law currently stands he committed an offence.

I’m positive that if it is that the police had, in fact, beaten this young man so badly that it led to his untimely demise, there would be a plethora of detainees willing and all too ready to provide INDECOM with statements to “mek police lose dem work” and spend time a jailhouse.

I’m also sure more than one person has lost his/her life while in State custody, so if it is that this is the case, why cry foul, and why relax detention time for small quantities of ganja?

Isn’t a major aspect of the police’s job to arrest and charge those who knowingly or unknowingly traverse a path outside the laws of the land?

Come on, Mr Security Minister, grow some chest hairs and develop a stronger backbone. Stand up for the security forces who are working tirelessly to secure our beloved country. Speak up, Mr Acting Commissioner, to ease the pressure on those lower in rank. Wake up, Mr Federation Chairman, and defend those whom your office should protect as the rank and file are under so much pressure and scrutiny.

It’s time for us to call a spade a spade and stop playing publicity games to catapult hidden agendas. The powers that be must inform Jamaica that criminals are likely to commit crimes, and jails and other similar facilities are ‘not a bed a rose’. “If unu a good youth then try yuh best to stay out of jail.”

Haldor Dixon

haldordixon@yahoo.com