Grateful to James Nelson

Dear Editor,

I am seventeen plus in age and am a trade student. During my August holiday period, I was assigned to do work study and I was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs to work on the building of a concrete fence.

During my time there, I met with a tradesman by the name of Mr James Nelson, whom others called “Jimmy” and who befriended me. While working together, Mr Nelson would often show me certain things in relation to my trade which were and would be very helpful to me. He also told me that he had a medical problem that he could not understand, but that it would cause him to behave differently at times.

Some time back I read of the arrest of Mr Nelson because of his behaviour at the said ministry, but was further shocked by the report of the cause of his death. I would say that his behaviour was due to him working and not getting what was due to him; I too had this same dilemma.

Finally, the cause of his death would leave one thinking, and the excuse might be that he was mad or deranged. But Mr Editor, let us remember many today who are mad with power, mad in arrogance and mad in dishonesty and greed. But it is not for me to judge. Mr Nelson died and may his soul rest in peace To his family whom I do not know I offer my deepest sympathy in this the time of their loss, and again I would express my gratitude to a dead man, who showed me some things which I have  learnt.

Yours faithfully,
(name and address supplied)