Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 24, 2014 Letters
Dear Editor,
I wish to reference Freddie’s article in your newspaper dated 10-22-14 about the preposterous actions of some magistrates on certain rulings. I don’t often agree with his opinions, but this subject has really hit me in the gut where I felt as a Guyanese, I must speak out.
I keep abreast with the news in Guyana and I am confounded when I hear my fellow Guyanese going to jail for petty crimes, where the government must provide room and board to prisoners for these simple offences. I see almost on a daily basis where a magistrate has the option to use alternative means in sentencing for petty crimes, but
instead is willing to separate a family and send the offender to jail. I cannot comprehend this “jail them” mentality by certain magistrates, and what is so very sad, many of these offenders have no prior criminal record, no prior conviction, no prior police contact.
I can see why Freddie is banging his head against the wall because not only are these rulings senseless, but because intelligent Guyanese who are in a position to voice their opinion and displeasure, are taking a back seat to this disparity.
When you examine the Justice system in democratic countries around the world and then look at the Guyanese Judicial System, one has to ask why is this happening. Why are people being jailed for petty crimes, is it because we want to teach them a lesson?
Instead of overburdening the Camp Street Prison with low levels offenders, why not have alternative programs in place to address this issue. Incarcerating people for these
crimes is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped.
For many non-violent low level offences, prison may not be the most sensible method of punishment, especially those that pose no threat to public safety. Offenders of these violations could be addressed by supervision, restitution, and community service to co-inside with a probationary period thus giving them a chance to contribute to society.
I would respectfully ask of magistrates to refrain from this kind of mentality and to be humane when dealing with offenders who commit petty crimes, especially when dealing with juveniles. Instead of incarceration let us think about rehabilitation.
Jagmohan
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 28, 2024
Minister Ramson challenge athletes to better last year’s performance By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s 23-member contingent for the CARIFTA Games in Grenada is set to depart the...B.V. Police Station Kaieteur News – The Beterverwagting Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) will be reconstructed... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]