IT WAS A real pleasure to hear a religious leader speak out on and take a serious position on a very serious social issue affecting this country.
All Barbadians must laud Roman Catholic bishop Jason Gordon for addressing the issue of illegal guns, and more importantly, suggesting a possible solution. This stand he has taken will attract the attention of those in authority.
If others in positions of authority lend their voices to similar issues then we will see action. When the man in the street speaks up and out and keeps some noise, he is either totally overlooked or simply dismissed as a loud mouth.
But, when those up the ranks comment, their peers will take note. This is why we need other religious and civic leaders to address the issue of criminal justice reform in Barbados.
It can no longer be viewed as something only for the members of Parliament, the judicial officers or the legal fraternity. The world is going through changes which indicate that civil society must now play a more important role in driving change. Barbados can be no different.
Congratulations to Bishop Gordon and hopefully he will speak to other issues.
– ALLAN BRATHWAITE