What are the alternatives to capital punishment?

 Dear Editor,

The latest to add a voice to the death penalty debate is Sister Judith Schmelz of the Sisters of Mercy of Guyana (Stabroek News, April 1). Sadly, the death penalty has remained a contentious issue, concerning which most Guyanese hold to their own stances while the crime rate continues to soar. Not for one moment should we forget that both the death penalty and corporal punishment remain enshrined in the laws of Guyana.

However, conspicuously absent from the rhetoric of those who have spoken out against the death penalty is what alternative solution should be instituted that will restore Guyana to its former peaceful state. Yes, everyone has stated loud and clear, for all to hear, what should not be done, even bringing in the Good Book at times to bolster their claim, but all have neglected to provide the law changers with alternative recommendations.

Where is the momentum since the last discussion on removing the death penalty took place? Has there been a moratorium on the death penalty in Guyana? No end or decision appears to be on the horizon. The behaviour thus far is making a mockery of the justice and legal system.

While the citizens were clamouring for change, why was abolition of the death penalty not on the ballot box? Can it be assumed that no one wanted to question those at the helm as to the rationale for capital punishment still being on the law books, with persons sentenced to death, yet no execution for nearly two decades? Let me ask again what is the real purpose for capital punishment being law, when it is not being implemented. Let the pussyfooting come to a halt; the government has to be either all the way in or all the way out. Guyana saw its last execution at the Camp Street Jail on August 25, 1997. This saw the deaths of Michael Archer and Peter Adams, who had been found guilty of murdering a woman during a robbery.

Sister Schmelz in her closing statement said that she like others believed in the Guyanese people, in their wisdom, and in their faith in God. Calling for the removal of the death penalty is not enough; we must set about finding and implementing effective and constructive ways that will serve as formidable deterrents.

Yours faithfully,
Yvonne Sam