Condemn JLP admin for state of emergency excesses

THE EDITOR, Sir:

We see how this Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration has used the states of emergency as a tool to trample on the rights of poor Jamaicans.

Let us recall the incursion of 2010 when because of the dithering of the then JLP administration led by Bruce Golding, 69 Jamaicans lost their lives. Recall how the residents of that community told of bombs being dropped on the community during the search for reputed don 'Dudus'.

The administration then had to be dragged kicking and screaming to set up a commission to look into the alleged abuse by members of the community.

Fast-forward to today, and we see an administration, through its members on one of the parliamentary committees, using its majority to vote against hearing from the ordinary Jamaicans who have been treated inhumanely by the police under the state of emergency.

It is shameful and a dereliction of duty that these members would vote in such a way.

If they surely believe the report of the public defender, why would they not want to get a first-hand account from the young men or their families who have been affected? What is it that this administration has to hide?

I would strongly suggest that our majesty's loyal Opposition use every resource to hold a hearing where the citizens of Jamaica incarcerated in goat pen-like conditions have their voices heard.

RALSTON CHAMBERLAIN

ralston.chamberlain@

alum.utoronto.ca

Toronto, Canada