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The death penalty is an inhumane process

Dec 24, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I note that the Rev. Gideon Cecil has called for the death sentence to be imposed on those guilty of capital crimes (Letters, 2 December 2016). As someone who lives in Guyana I share the concerns that many have regarding crime and security.
However, the death penalty is not the answer to these concerns – capital punishment is not only inhumane but is also unnecessary. No compelling evidence exists to show that the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime.
Experience in Europe and other parts of the world have taught us that the death penalty does not prevent violent crime, nor does it bring justice to the victims of such crimes. Imposition of the death penalty contravenes the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Any miscarriage of justice – which is inevitable in any legal system – could lead to innocent persons being killed and is irreversible.
The Reverend Cecil in his letter raises several issues which contribute to people entering a life of crime – dysfunctional backgrounds, homelessness, illiteracy, drug abuse, etc. It is by addressing issues such as this that crime rates are brought down, not through knee-jerk reactions such as the state killing its own citizens or draconian laws.
There is simply no quick-fix solution to crime – the various factors contributing to crime need to be addressed in a holistic and consistent manner. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all in Guyana a Merry Christmas and a safe, peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Derek Lambe
Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Delegation of the European Union

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