THE EDITOR, Madam:
IT HAS been reported in the news media that Mr. Delroy Chuck, attorney-at-law and JLP MP has opposed the spending of over $3 billion by Government in the building of a new prison.
I strongly support Mr. Chuck's view on the matter. I also support his recommendation that there be a change in sentencing people found guilty of criminal offence. Short-term sentence should be made 'suspended'. Further to that more people should be sentenced to do community work.
These measures would lessen the number of prisoners being sent to prison, ease the overcrowding, lessen the criminal and disgraceful incidents taking place in our prisoners.
Building a new prison and providing more space for prisons is not the way to ease the prison overcrowding and make life bearable and decent for prisoners.
Government needs to do things to stem the flow of prisoners to the prisons including the improvement of the economy and discipline in the society. The political parties, churches, service clubs and community organisations need to get together and work towards one goal.
I am, etc.,
RUPERT G. McDONALD
Attorney-at-law
Savanna-la-mar
