I commend Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran for his strong condemnation of the mild sentences being given out by judges to murderers who are pleading guilty to “manslaughter” to avoid the hangman’s noose.

Mr. Ramkarran a legal practitioner and respected public figure made known his concern in an article published in the Mirror 11-12 April under the heading “Women in danger”.

The article was given prominence by the Stabroek News on April 15. I quote a section of the Ramkarran’s article.

“Sentencing of men, for the manslaughter of women has become a national disgrace and I am shocked that there is no outcry, at the leniency of the sentencing, varying from five to ten years in a bad case”

A person convicted of rape, an offence of the most serious nature against women can expect deservedly, a 20- year sentence. A wife killer gets off with half.

“One is tempted to the conclusion that we are still operating under the philosophy of ancient times that your wife is your property and you can do whatever you wish with her”.

I agree with Mr. Ramkarran, that the prosecution must put an end to this leniency and Judges must refuse to accept a manslaughter plea, when a prima facie case has been made out for murder.

Mr. Ramkarran’s observation is true that almost every month a wife, whether common law or married, is killed without mercy by her spouse over a domestic issue.

Why is the Judiciary and the Prosecution agreeing to this immoral leniency?

Just imagine the agony of a wife, pleading for her life while a murderous husband is plunging a knife into her defenseless body.

This kind of approach is undermining the effort of the Police Force, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It is defeating the work of other agencies and institutions and the laws passed in Parliament to curb Domestic Violence.

And while I am on this subject, I express the view that whenever someone, male or female is charged with the capital offence, he/she should face a Jury trial.

When a verdict has been reached, then the Judge is free to exercise judicial discretion.
STEVE NARINE