The

office of Jamaica’s Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen is having their edges

pulled through the muck of Twitter as citizens were informed that he freed a convicted

Canadian drug smuggler months before the sentence was fully served.

Allen,

in a statement on Friday, May 15, said that the Canadian was granted a “prerogative

of mercy” after the Canadian national requested an early release.

“The

inmate was charged for possession of, and attempts to export cocaine. Receiving

a sentence of two years and six months, he was scheduled for release on July, 6

2020,” the statement read.

According

to Governor-General Allen, the Canadian reportedly maintained “a record of

discipline and good behaviour” with no breach of rules since imprisonment, and

with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic was released on special

conditions.

This is all well and good, but what about Jamaicans? Especially those on minor offences? — Jean-Pierre, K? (@JKavJA)

This is all well and good, but what about Jamaicans? Especially those on minor offences? — Jean-Pierre, K? (@JKavJA) https://t.co/IDswMipjdrMay 15, 2020

The

statement went further to indicate that the convict returned to his home

country at the expense of the Canadian government.

What

has several Jamaicans, myself included, so outraged was the fact that on

several occasions when a local has been arrested for attempting to pick fruits

on the ground of Kings House, none of these powers of mercy were offered to

them even when they were just hungry.

I recall clearly a couple years ago a man stole some food because he was hungry and was sentenced to 3 years. So you’re telling me now that the GG office could’ve gotten him off ? — D Ξ 4-NØ (@anrkiss)

I recall clearly a couple years ago a man stole some food because he was hungry and was sentenced to 3 years. So you’re telling me now that the GG office could’ve gotten him off ? — D Ξ 4-NØ (@anrkiss) https://t.co/EvWmN3Py3uMay 15, 2020

Help

me to understand, Mr GG, where was all the energy for Jamaicans?

Why does a hungry black man not get the same mercies as a convicted (presumably but obviously white) drug smuggler?

Even

after being imprisoned for the mere crime of being hungry, why were none of

these powers used to free any of them? Were they not well behaved?

This you? — Teresita (@TeresaTTB)

This you? — Teresita (@TeresaTTB) https://t.co/ByQFGAd5QP pic.twitter.com/K3GF7tOhqcMay 15, 2020

Are

you aware that taxpayers of this country pay to keep those grounds?

Are you also aware that those SAME taxpaying dollars are what pay YOU—to be in the interest of Jamaicans?

According

to Sir Allen’s website, “the Governor-General carries out roles and functions

that are fundamental to Jamaica’s democratic governance structure.  Section 32 of the Constitution of Jamaica

establishes the rules governing the exercise of the Governor-General’s

functions.”

So,

may I ask, isn’t protecting the freedoms of all Jamaicans within your right to

perform?

What?! The GG’s out here freeing foreigners whilst so many Jamaicans remain in prison? — Gavin (@Goffeman)

What?! The GG’s out here freeing foreigners whilst so many Jamaicans remain in prison? — Gavin (@Goffeman) https://t.co/P2fVaqIDtAMay 15, 2020

Please don’t misconstrue, Mr GG, I’m very pleased you’ve chosen to use the powers vested in you by our constitution to free someone. It should be done more, but, as well-intentioned as this “act” might have been done, it’s a slap in the face of those who are more deserving but never rewarded.