THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS THE world recognises the achievement of its women on International Women's Day, many have forgotten those imprisoned. It is no secret that in Jamaica, and certainly other parts of the world, our women are increasingly being sentenced for economic crimes, as law enforcers declare war against drug trafficking.
At the island's sole women's prison, nearly 60 per cent of its inmates are on drug trafficking charges and over 90 per cent of them are foreigners. These statistics will certainly increase as drug dealers busily recruit and lure mostly American and British women as carriers and as the police increase their surveillance at the airports.
Our women are becoming victims of economic crises, as pleasure-seeking rich-thinking men set to satisfy their cravings. The saddest thing about this form of women exploitation is that most women imprisoned for carrying drugs are caring mothers who often also take on the task of fathering their children. The consequences of their lost freedom include severe depression due to loss of contact with their children and family disintegration.
The avoidable consequences experienced by incarcerated drug traffickers must be blamed on prison authorities since there are virtually little rehabilitation and interactive drug trafficking prevention programmes. For the 15 per cent of female prisoners charged for murder, again, men have been voted the primary cause and ultimate victims. Domestic violence characterised by repeated beatings of the women or sexual molestations of their daughters ranks high as major reasons for murdering the spouses.
As we glorify our women on International Women's Day, let us remember those incarcerated behind the historical walls of Fort Augustus and the women/wardresses who cater for them. With much sorrow I will remember on this day a respected inmate whose body has become riddled with cancer, yet her earthly forgivers grip more firmly to the keys of the prison gates while ignoring her plea for mercy.
I am etc.,
Dr. RAYMOTH NOTICE
E-mail: shaq@cwjamaica.com
37 Wellington Street
Spanish Town
Via Go-Jamaica
