We should not abolish the death penalty because outsiders are applying pressure

Dear Editor,

I note with lots of reservation the call by the international agencies and one of our own for the removal of laws permitting the death penalty, which is a legal tool to thwart crime especially murder, classified as a capital offence. I am always worried when outsiders apply severe pressure on our local administrators demanding that we change laws to suit them.

I disagree with this method of pressure and would rather that Guyanese be allowed to decide what is good for our country. It might be better for our government to go the way of a referendum and give the public the opportunity to have a say in our national affairs.

As a nation we must not function as though we are dupes to foreign nations.

Yours faithfully,

Ivan John