MR JEFF CUMBERBATCH, in a recent article related to crime, punishment and the rule of law, made reference to the Holy Scriptures that contrasted Moses’ Law of “an eye for an eye” and Jesus’ exhortation “to turn the other cheek”.
If Mr Cumberbatch has derived any measure of comfort and solace from the Sermon On The Mount, he should nevertheless be watchful and be on guard.
I encourage him to focus attention on a key point when Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
Further, there is a portion of scripture that speaks about the punishment of murderers: “But the fearful, and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers, and whoremongers, and socerers and idolaters and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
There is clearly punishment for those who disobey, as set out by the laws given to Moses from God through the ages until the last days that include the second death.
Barbados is not known to be a jurisdiction of kangaroo courts and has been well served by legal draughtsmen and jurists of the highest calibre and repute for centuries.
The ball is now in the court of such legal luminaries as Mr Jeff Cumberbatch and other members of the legal fraternity to ensure the rule of law is held up to the highest possible standard.
