Dear Editor,

When Justice Minister Delroy Chuck declared in early June 2023 that a man who confessed to abducting and raping a number of young girls should have been given a life sentence and not 23 years, it’s possible the majority of Jamaicans endorsed this view, given that rape is a heinous act. I think serial rapists should be given life sentences, but I have concerns regarding the minister’s declaration and its timing.

The justice minister’s public comment, coming shortly after the sentencing, could be viewed in some quarters as unnecessary pressure on the judiciary. Was it an arm of the Government criticising another? Judges act within established sentencing guidelines. It would be the prerogative of Parliament to pass legislation ensuring mandatory life sentences for serial rapists. The justice minister would play a key role accordingly. The comment was, therefore, somewhat ironic. Imagine a carpenter complaining about a roof leaking when it’s his responsibility to fix it and he is being paid well to do so.

It is often observed that actual or perceived light sentences is one of the reasons for lack of confidence in the justice system. The less confidence citizens have in the courts, the more it increases the likelihood that when aggrieved they will exact revenge or resort to vigilante justice, especially when crimes are of a gruesome nature.

In October 2021, a group of community members in St Thomas joined the security forces in search of the culprit who abducted and raped two young girls. A few openly expressed, via traditional media, that they would exact revenge. Before the real culprit was caught, an innocent man suspected as the abductor was attacked and killed.

I commend the drive and passion the justice minister has demonstrated to improve efficiency and confidence in the courts. But passion sometimes supersedes principle and can cause anyone to err. It’s a reality that our eyes will always see whatever they are looking for. And the ears will hear whatever they are listening for. Similarly, the mind eagerly welcomes anything which confirms or reinforces what it believes or accepts as factual.

As justice minister, Chuck’s critical comment could have reinforced the belief of many that “Di judges dem biased”, “No justice no deh a court” and, therefore, undermine his own very commendable efforts to increase confidence in the courts. The comment was indeed ill-timed, ironic, and unfortunate.

Daive R Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com