The Editor
The Grenada Informer (also Voice)
Dear Sir,
How often do Christians everywhere ask for forgiveness of their
sins, "as they forgive those that sin against them"? As with any
familiar words, these can become "vain repetitions, as of the heathen". But
we are called upon to act on Jesus' words. This is not an option: this is a
requirement for Christians. The reputation of Christianity has been
tarnished by old feuds and failures of forgiveness - which still persist
between Orthodox and Catholics in Yugoslavia, and between Catholics and
Protestants in Northern Ireland - and which are a major cause of wars and
violence both between nations and individuals everywhere.
It has been a shame that the recent appeals of Ewart Layne and
Bernard Coard for forgiveness of their errors which contributed to the
tragedy of October 1983 have been met by such an unforgiving spirit by so
many in Grenada: are these people all unbelievers?
The 3 main reasons for the imprisonment of offenders are
- punishment (and to provide a warning to others not to commit similar acts);
- the rehabilitation of the offenders (so that if released they will not
offend again); and
- the protection of the public.
- In the case of the Grenada 17, 16 years in jail is more than
sufficient punishment for prisoners who have consistently demonstrated
exemplary behaviour - particularly in view of the glaring irregularities of
the original trial and appeal procedures; life sentences in USA, UK and
Western Europe are subject to parole or release in less time than this.
- The behaviour of the prisoners is firm evidence of their
"rehabilitation".
- What threat do they now pose to the public of
Grenada, or of anywhere else? - they have avowed their intention to avoid
any further political activity - and this is clearly in their own interest
in view of what they have suffered in these long years as a result of their
political activities.
We are not asked to forget, but forgiveness, and forgiveness now,
is a requirement, not an option. Christian people of Grenada, please
practise what you preach and what you pray.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Noakes
November 1999
Submitted to Grenada Voice and Informer