A grave injustice which must be corrected

Dec 12, 2018 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Government’s decision to provide funding for a martyrs’ monument in Linden, commemorating the victims of the persons gunned down during the Linden protests in 2012, is appropriate, as it is just.
After all, these three men were only protesting against a decision by the then PPP/C administration, which had it been accepted, would have caused an even more onerous economic burden to be foisted on the citizens of a community that had already sunk deep in the mire of economic depression.
Those men died in defence of the human rights of their community. They paid the ultimate price for daring to be among the many thousands of Lindeners who confronted what had been clearly an unconscionable plan that never took into consideration the realities of their daily economic condition. Instead, they were shot down by security forces. It is only fitting that their memories be remembered and honoured.
Thus, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan’s statement which indicated his intention to ask government’s consideration for an increase of the compensation that had been mandated by the Commission of Inquiry is not only just, but an intention to correct a situation that flies in the face of fairness, and natural justice.
Evidently, the sums awarded were an insult. It was as if those persons’ lives had not any price or value, because of their working-class status; contribution towards life, and that of their families.
Proper compensation in any circumstance, whether for death or maiming, ought to take into consideration factors such as age, potential for earnings, inclusive of future opportunities for such, and of course, family responsibilities. Therefore, to learn that each of the commissioners received emoluments that were more than the compensatory sum paid to each of the victims, exposes a blatant denial of human rights, and social discrimination.
The Minister is correct in his view and statement. There should be consideration for correction of this social injustice.

Regards
Dillon Goring

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