Vernon Daley

Last week, I received a huge number of letters in response to my last column which dealt with this ever controversial issue of hanging.

Many of the writers were quite critical of my views on the matter. Most of them, unfortunately, missed the point I was trying to make.

I've never been opposed to hanging as punishment for capital murder. My simple position is that politicians, like our goodly Derrick Smith, should not go reinforcing the folly out there in the minds of some misguided souls that breaking necks will help in reducing the country's horrendous murder rate.

But even as Smith is salivating at the idea of hanging, there are some developments on the international scene which we can't ignore.

Last week, a United Nations committee voted in favour of a resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty. The move is a key step towards the passing of a non-binding motion by the world body.

The resolution was passed 99-52 with 33 abstentions. It is likely to go to the full assembly in mid-December where supporters say they expect few countries to change their position.

Although the resolution is not legally binding on states, it carries considerable moral and political weight and, therefore, death penalty-backing countries like Jamaica must be clear whether they are prepared to go against the tide.

Withdrawal of aid

Some Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states have accused the European Union (EU) - a key supporter of the moratorium - of seeking to impose its values on other nations. In fact, CARICOM members have suggested that they have been threatened with the withdrawal of aid over their support for the death penalty.

No specifics have been presented by CARICOM about this threat by the EU. However, I will say that if, indeed, there was a threat, then I can see nothing wrong with it.

If we want to pursue the death penalty as a region then we are at liberty to do so. However, it cannot be argued that we have a right to aid from the EU when its member countries disagree with our position on a fundamental issue.

As true mendicants, we have got into the habit of thinking that we are entitled to what is in other people's pockets. That can't be so.

If we are to exercise our choices freely in this world, then we have to stand on our two feet and pay our way, not lean on others. That principle is as much applicable to countries as it is to individuals in their personal lives.

To my mind, it's not worth it for us to lose friends and support over this death penalty issue, anyway. It has no utility and it certainly won't help curb crime. We have to choose our battles carefully.

High expectations

There is an unreasonably high expectation of the government since it took power just over two months ago. The standard to which the current administration is being held seems to be much higher than what was set for the People's National Party (PNP) which held power for 18 years.

Critics have been saying that the government should just get on with the job and not trouble itself in telling people about the state in which it found the country.

In other words, they asked for the job, so let them do it. I find this to be an irresponsible position.

This new government has a duty to let the people understand what took place in the last adminis-tration and how it conducted the affairs of the country. This will help us to understand what the challenges are and how they can be met. I call that open government.

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