Hasty, insensitive response

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I would like to make reference to the well written article by Dr Glenda Simms on July 18, and which was further disputed by several persons thereafter.

I also feel very much disturbed by how easy it is to compare violence against women to the political drama that we endure in Jamaica.

For me, the fact that the article by Dr Simms was so passionately disputed is evidence of the fictitious way that violence against women is viewed in Jamaica - "These women bring it on themselves by staying; as such, the state should not be responsible for providing any form of help to her, whether through social interventions or financial programmes."

While politics will affect our daily life, it does not leave emotional scars that take years and several visits to a counsellor to be removed. No, with regard to the extradition affair, the reality is, we would have forgotten about it, if it were not for the media. Much unlike the emotional pain a battered woman endures, which is not so easily forgotten.

While I feel that Mr Golding's apology was disingenuous, it's tragic that someone in such a high and noble position would even consider using the two instances for comparison. I agree with you Dr Simms, Mr Beckford's response was hasty and insensitive and he should endeavour to issue an apology to the diaspora quickly.

I am, etc.,

Kareen Hewitt

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica