THE EDITOR, Sir:
MR BRUCE GOLDING in a recent letter to the editor alleges that the US is mistreating prisoners at the naval base in Cuba. He claims to be appalled by it and is intent, I presume, to raise the awareness of the Jamaican public in respect to the conditions of the Taliban prisoners.
My first question to Mr. Golding is how come nobody knew about the tour you took of the holding facility in Cuba? Forgive us Mr. Golding, we were under the mistaken impression that you were getting second-hand information, just like the rest of the world.
As far as the Geneva Conventions go the US seems to be the only country that has ever come close to abiding by its precepts. Perhaps Mr. Golding, you should research the treatment of other prisoners of war in the many conflicts that have taken place globally in the last decade and then compare it to the American record. You will find, though you may deny it, that international law means nothing unless America is there to enforce it.
As for the American Taliban John Walker, it is quite clear that you are not fully aware of the prevailing American sentiment. I assure you John Walker has very few allies in the US. In any event where is the outcry in respect to the treatment of prisoners in Jamaica, Mr Golding? Pick the beam out of your own eye first and get off the America bashing bandwagon.
I am etc.,
RASHIDI F.A. COLLINS
rashi@aol.com
Tampa, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
