Dear Editor,
The President of Guyana will not be deterred from his desire to pardon prisoners from time to time, so the next best thing is to trust his judgment and support his vision while the religions pray for the reformation of the pardoned individuals.
Hot in the air is the campaign to name the selected prisoners and I began by supporting it, but as I listened to the views of other citizens on radio and television I found myself changing my position and going with the opinions of those who think that no names should be released. Once names are given it reduces the opportunity of the second chance because they will be stigmatized. In addition, they can become easy targets for vengeance and spite, while their chances for employment and fitting back into society can be affected in a big way.
Whether we agree or disagree with President David Granger our duty as Guyanese is to support the integration of these pardoned prisoners and afford them opportunities in an effort to play a meaningful role in nation building. We as Guyanese must play our part in helping not only pardoned prisoners but in our communities in order to keep our youths out of the jailhouse.
Yours faithfully,
Ivan John
