Dear Editor,
It was with great consternation that I, along with all Jamaicans, witnessed the detention of the Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Michael Troupe and councillor for the Salt Spring Division Sylvan Reid on July 18, 2012. This, after the Leon Clunis-led Lottery Scam Task Force carried out simultaneous raids in Montego Bay and left with us the indelible image of Troupe in handcuffs, his image besmirched, his character maligned, his political career irreparably damaged, and his very freedom uncertain.
The court of public opinion arrived at a swift verdict. Natural justice was suspended and both men's resignations were demanded.
The result, Troupe has hauled the Government of Jamaica before the courts to seek redress for false and malicious arrest. He is also claiming damages including aggravated, exemplary and constitutional damages for defamation against Superintendent Clunis and Commissioner Ellington.
But what of Sylvan Reid? We are fast approaching the anniversary of his ordeal and it seems he has resigned himself to inaction. Doesn't he know the State must be held accountable? The Government must be made to understand that when it allows its agents to trample on the rights of Jamaicans it is not without consequence. I sincerely hope this has nothing to do with which party currently forms the Government and the party is not unethically imposing its will on Reid. It nuh fi go so.
Reid has the perfect opportunity to make a stand for the average Jamaican. Allow your people to climb on your back and see how a man defends his rights.
I do not know Reid personally, nor do I have a vested interest in his affairs. I am not advocating his innocence, but he has a duty as a Jamaican.
You have a duty to our National Heroes who gave their lives in defence of the very rights of which you were stripped. Mr Reid, you have a duty to your family to restore whatever you can of your good name. Your children's future, our children's future depends on it.
Take my foolish advice: find yourself a good attorney immediately.
C Barrow Williams
cwilliams@masaka.com
Would Sylvan Reid please stand up?
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It was with great consternation that I, along with all Jamaicans, witnessed the detention of the Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Michael Troupe and councillor for the Salt Spring Division Sylvan Reid on July 18, 2012. This, after the Leon Clunis-led Lottery Scam Task Force carried out simultaneous raids in Montego Bay and left with us the indelible image of Troupe in handcuffs, his image besmirched, his character maligned, his political career irreparably damaged, and his very freedom uncertain.
The court of public opinion arrived at a swift verdict. Natural justice was suspended and both men's resignations were demanded.
The result, Troupe has hauled the Government of Jamaica before the courts to seek redress for false and malicious arrest. He is also claiming damages including aggravated, exemplary and constitutional damages for defamation against Superintendent Clunis and Commissioner Ellington.
But what of Sylvan Reid? We are fast approaching the anniversary of his ordeal and it seems he has resigned himself to inaction. Doesn't he know the State must be held accountable? The Government must be made to understand that when it allows its agents to trample on the rights of Jamaicans it is not without consequence. I sincerely hope this has nothing to do with which party currently forms the Government and the party is not unethically imposing its will on Reid. It nuh fi go so.
Reid has the perfect opportunity to make a stand for the average Jamaican. Allow your people to climb on your back and see how a man defends his rights.
I do not know Reid personally, nor do I have a vested interest in his affairs. I am not advocating his innocence, but he has a duty as a Jamaican.
You have a duty to our National Heroes who gave their lives in defence of the very rights of which you were stripped. Mr Reid, you have a duty to your family to restore whatever you can of your good name. Your children's future, our children's future depends on it.
Take my foolish advice: find yourself a good attorney immediately.
C Barrow Williams
cwilliams@masaka.com
Would Sylvan Reid please stand up?
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