Is a safe and prosperous Jamaica only in utopia?
Published:Monday | June 19, 2023 | 12:11 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
If we lived in utopia, serving justice would be packaged and delivered to those reprobates who extinguished the life of Major Dr Bonnie-Paul Williams. Alas, we live in Jamaica where the lawless seem to roam freely, wreaking havoc on the people with impunity. Each gruesome act is accompanied by sound bites such as: “We condemn the killing of....”; “...death must not be in vain”, “No stone will be left unturned in this investigation”, or “No resources will be spared”. Then there are the expressions of condolences and bursts of anger.
Lest we forget, these acts provide cameo appearances for our leaders to placate with words of hope. After nine days of chatter, the reset button is pressed and life is restored to ‘business as usual’. The deceased’s family and friends are left to pick up the pieces while grieving. It is déjà vu.
I am angry at the loss of Major Williams. I am angry that our collective disgust is insufficient to effect meaningful changes in our society. I am angry that a lack of empathy is preventing us from understanding that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. I am angry that the lives of many more nation-builders are in harm’s way. Will we ever be able to sleep with our windows and doors open? Maybe, only in utopia!
R.A. SILENCE