Our Readers' Opinions
November 8, 2013

Increase in crime and decrease in punishment? Not sensible!

Fri Nov 8, 2013

Editor: “Family court secretary shot multiple times…children witness horror of mother’s death…teenager stabbed to death…” In addition to the assaults, robberies, burglaries and thefts, the above-mentioned are some of the headlines we see in our weekly newspapers and hear on nightly TV news. Just last week, it was reported in the NEWS newspaper that Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle said that he feared for this society. He was commenting on the lawlessness and criminal acts that are taking place in the land. We seem to live in a society where criminals think they rule. They destroy, rob, threaten and even kill with such boldness and callousness that it’s unbelievable!{{more}}

However, at a time when crime seems to be getting out of hand, not only here at home, but in the region, we hear about human rights organisations celebrating the abolition of the death penalty. They are also continuing calls for its abolition in countries around the world. “Focus on lives, not death”, they say. Well, I say focus on taking the life of the criminal, once he/she is proven guilty beyond a shadow of doubt. Take his life as punishment for the life he has taken. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man”(Gen. 9:6). Let this be done so that “those which remain shall hear and FEAR and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.” Deut. 19: 11-21.

While the Creator of mankind explicitly states that the death penalty is the just punishment for the crime of murder (unlawfully taking another person’s life with premeditated malice) and that it deters, some adamantly declare that it is not a deterrent. They think they are wiser than God! He tells us in His word that the death penalty deters potential murders and therefore makes society a safer place. While enhanced police investigation, the introduction of compensation to assist victims, and forensic labs have their place, they cannot and must not replace just punishment for crimes. Criminals continue to terrorize law-abiding citizens. Some take people’s lives, sit in prison and feed off taxpayers’ money (including family members of victims). While they do so, they enjoy the luxury of mouthpieces who claim to “defend their rights”.
 
Ironically, the same persons who disregard God’s solutions try to give their own solutions. Well, believe it or not, no solution is as effective as God’s solution. They will all turn out futile in the end. It is time for us to send a strong warning message to criminals and would-be criminals. They need to know that they would not be allowed to terrorise society without ‘feeling the full force of the law’. They need to know that if they murder, for example, they will have to pay with their own life. I call on those with the authority to fulfil their God-given mandate – “bear not the sword in vain”. You are given the divine authority to be a “revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil”(Romans 13:4). You also need to be swift in the execution of judgement. When “sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily… the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil”(Eccl. 8:11).

We cannot continue to have a decrease in punishment when there is an increase in crime. It is just not sensible!

Ann-Marie Ballantyne

svgpatriot@hotmail.com

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