THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN A recent Gleaner article by Monique Hepburn titled "Mob justice reigns in yam country", one very crucial thing was missing any social commentary on whether this form of vigilante justice - a contradiction in terms - encourages the growing lawlessness in Jamaica.
In the last two years there have been over 40 instances of "jungle justice", almost one every other week. Some of the victims of this "justice" were later found to be innocent. With few exceptions, there has been little outcry from the island's press, clergy, police, business and political leaders and grassroots philosophers. Even the general public seems to be quiet on the issue, again giving tacit approval and even lending a certain respectability to the actions. Without this outcry by leadership and the general community, this form of illegal and immoral behaviour will continue and even grow, which many may feel is a good thing.
JUDGE, JURY AND OFTEN EXECUTIONER
Jungle justice not only goes against the Old Testament teachings of an "eye for an eye" (stealing yams does NOT merit death) but also against Jesus' teachings. We can strive to justify it all we want claiming it to be self-defence, social-defence, natural law, honour or a necessity. However this does not mask what it really is an enraged group of citizens, without emotional clarity or judicial procedures, becoming judge, jury and often executioner. It must be understood that in the minds of many misguided youths, it is a short distance from farmers "justifiably" killing someone for stealing yams to their use of violence to protect their turf.
Every human being understands the feelings of outrage that emerge when we are wronged. All of us have had thoughts of vengeance, of swift and sure punishment for our transgressors. However, it is in the controlling and tempering of these initial emotions to allow the law to fairly take its due process that the true character of a person or a country - is revealed.
Jungle justice threatens democracy and the rule of law. It turns the victims of crimes into criminals, often murderers. It is not the ultimate act of good citizenship but rather "citizen terrorism" which threatens every community where it is condoned. It further cements a vein of violence that runs throughout the Jamaican culture. This vein must be acknowledged, revealed and healed if Jamaica is to rebalance as a society and claim her true destiny within the community of nations - that as a teacher of love.
I encourage conscious people living in communities stained by jungle justice to speak out now about the pain, confusion and moral anxiety these acts of vengeance have left behind. Let your fellow Jamaicans know that in considered reflections on your or your neighbour's actions, you pray that God will give you, and all of us, the wisdom and guidance to take a higher road in the future.
I am etc.,
ROBERT ROSKIND
Author of Rasta Heart and the Gathering of the Healers,
Organizer of the Jamaican One Love Concerts
PO Box 2142
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
