In support of dealth penalty

07.AUG.09

Editor: Ref. July 24, 2009 edition page 17 captioned “Bacchus Browne: death penalty not a deterrent to crime”

I read and carefully considered the reasons that Lawyer Kay Bacchus Browne gave for opposing the death penalty. According to the Searchlight, she said “that there has been no research, including research done by her that suggests that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime.{{more}} Secondly, while serving as Registrar of the High Court here, she witnessed a triple hanging in February 1995.

Bacchus said that the suffering that she saw the men go through before they died convinced her that no human being, no matter what his crime, should be subjected to that fate.”

Editor, it is not the first time that I am hearing Kay Bacchus and other opponents of the death penalty hanging on such unrealistic and emotional arguments.

* Why do I say unrealistic? The deterrent effect cannot really be measured, since we cannot enter the mind of a potential criminal to understand if he/she chooses to be restrained because of the existence of the death penalty. This writer has actually heard persons say “if dey nah been ah heng, a would a put out yo life and go ah fort go sit down”. These days, some even say “yo see dey stap heng, it easy fo kill and geh way no yo know.”

From the above quotations, we can deduce that the existence of the death penalty restrains and deters the potential murderer. Even more importantly and trustworthy is the word of the all wise God in His laws set down for the peace, justice, security and civility of society. Concerning the Death Penalty, He says clearly “Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” Genesis 9:6. Regarding these laws of punishment, we further see the scripture stating ‘…so shall thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall HEAR and FEAR.’

If one logically follows opponents of the Death Penalty, it follows that prisons and other forms of punishment should be abolished, since criminal activities continue to increase worldwide even with the existence of penal institutions.

* Why do I say emotional? Human beings naturally have emotions. However, these emotions must be directed aright according to sound and holy principles lest we find ourselves lending false sympathy and losing our sense of justice. Murderous criminals must know that we have ZERO tolerance for their inhuman, cruel and degrading behavior. They must pay justly (life for life). So let Amnesty International and all who support their warped views, direct their sympathy towards the families of the victims, like the mother of Lokisha Nanton.

Mrs Bacchus, in what instances do you support the death penalty? You can call for a change in the method we use in St. Vincent. I will not argue that. However, let good judgement reign and let the death penalty be carried out without fear, favour and emotion.

Ann-Marie John