Dear Editor,

I write in reference to Member of Parliament (MP) Lisa Hanna’s article in the Jamaica Observer, ‘Freak offs: The Jamaican reality of sexual aggression, power, and control’, published on Sunday, September 22.

It is a very timely article, given the general mindset of not a few Jamaicans in relation to man-woman/girl relations. This immoral situation didn’t just pop up overnight; it has been simmering from way back in our history, inclusive of slavery days, and no appropriate action has been taken.

The new revelations of bizarre sexual relationships are the result of past dismissals like “A so tings set,” “Man ah man,” and “If women dress differently, man wouldn’t get turned on,” etc. These are all ridiculous excuses, especially when we reflect on the inviolability of each human person and the so-called Christian mores our people claim to treasure.

While the recent exposure of people like Sean “Diddy” Combs and alleged rapist Mohamed Al Fayed, now deceased, and others mentioned by MP Hanna are highlighted because of the atrocities they committed, we must be cognisant of the myriad sexual deviants in Jamaica hell-bent on damaging the lives of present and future generations of women/girls who are God’s gifts to humanity.

Women are literally the portals or potential portals for future generations. As a nation we need to situate sex (a created good, mind you) in its original role and purpose: the unity of two loves in the service of life. This is according to the plan of God; “They are no longer two but one.” Once we deviate from that understanding and merely see sex as transactional or a commodity to give momentary pleasure without responsibility, we are doomed.

Notice the present concern about the decrease in population growth. And we must not brush under the carpet the consequences of promiscuous sexual activity and the concomitant health consequences. A word to the wise is sufficient!

Aside from all that, we must worry about the laxity with which our legislators treat this matter. MP Hanna cited Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jeremy Taylor, King’s Council who is calling for “more to be done to stem the rise in sexual offences in Jamaica”. He said, “We have all manner of operations and legislations to deal with firearms, and even murders, but we have a high rate of sexual offences and hardly anything is being done about it. It has become cultural and it has become part of the landscape.” But I ask a provocative question: Will a male-dominated legislature ever dare to pass stringent legislation to cauterise this “getting out of hand” objectification of our women/girls?

It would be interesting to see if the manifestos of both major political parties would be bold enough to treat with this hot potato issue alongside their respective plans to curtail crime. After all, sexual abuse is a crime, isn’t it? Time will tell!

In the meantime we watch, pray, and critique accordingly.

Reverend Donald J Reece

Archbishop emeritus of Kingston

don.j.reece@gmail.com