Dear Editor,

The Trustees of the Caribbean Regional Empowerment Fund met in Georgetown on May 30-31, 2008. As is our custom, we read your paper in order to gain a continued sense of perspective of local happenings.

Part of the concern of this particular meeting was to discuss Caribbean social problems and the possible intervention strategies which might be adopted and implemented by the regional church. It is in this context that the illustrations depicted in the Taste of Fear cartoon, which is published in your newspaper daily, came to our attention.

We wish to submit to you that this cartoon, though it offers a stark commentary on part of the reality in Guyana and the entire Caribbean region, has been recognized by us as a root cause and/or stimulus of the perpetration of violence – especially against women – in our society. This, as one obvious effect is the romanticizing and normalizing of such wanton and unadulterated violence in our society.

The very nature of the uncensored graphics has the potential of teaching exactly what is required for such acts, while giving the impression that this behaviour is socially acceptable. In essence, it erodes the very moral fabric through which we weave the mores of the present and future generations.

We would urge you, therefore, to cease the publication of the Taste of Fear, for the sake of our region’s people, and in the name of regard for the sanctity of life.

Yours faithfully,
Rev Paulette Hannibal
General Secretary, Guyana Congregational Union
Rev Dr Collin McGowan
General Secretary, United Church in Jamaica & the
Cayman Islands
Co-Chairs, Caribbean Regional Empowerment Fund

Editor’s note

The concerns of the authors of the letter have been noted. We do not believe that the Taste of Fear strip can be considered as a root cause and or stimulus for the perpetration of violence as argued by the authors of this letter. It presents in graphic imagery a mirror image of some of the deepest ills of society but can in no way be apprehended as stimulating violence of any sort let alone against women. To the contrary, we believe that highlighting this problem in as many formats as possible will help to shine a light on the scourge. It is also noteworthy that many of society’s established institutions have failed to aggressively and forthrightly address some of the problems that the strip has courageously taken on.

It should also be pointed out that the Taste of Fear strip has also addressed other topical issues such as climate change and the carnage on the roads.