Dear Editor,

The recent demolitition of houses in the community of Clifton by the State and its agents has left a bitter taste in the mouth of the merciful. It is often said that we must temper justice with mercy and that justice should not be a substitute for mercy.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who often references the Church and its teachings, must remember that the very Bible on which he swore to be fair and just to those he serves is replete with acts of mercies and compassion, especially for those who are poor and vulnerable, even when they are wrong.

It seems the prime minister is on a crusade to flex his muscles to demolish and evict all and sundry illegally occupying government lands. We have seen that people in Lluidas Vale and Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay are on edge as the “Demolition Man” makes his way across Jamaica.

In the court of public opinion not may Jamaicans, especially the merciful, have supported the action taken by the Government. Yes, citizens often test the limits of the law, but to frighten our citizens and then ask questions later is reprehensible and high-handed. It is said in the United States that not everybody that is born in a log cabin can be a George Washington, and in Jamaica, although Prime Minister Holness says he was born poor in a two-room house, not everyone who was born poor in a two-room house will have a heart.

I am of the opinion that the man has no heart or conscience. How does he feel when he visited the demolished site in Clifton the following day and saw the level of destruction and the mental breakdown of those who were affected. To further double down on his lack of mercy and compassion, he claims that he does not seek popularity once his action is just. But let me warn him, the greatest assets of any leader or politician are to be merciful and compassionate.

When, in the eyes of the public, you lose those attributes, it is often impossible to dredge your way out of that political hole.

Fernandez Smith

fgeesmith@yahoo.com