Dear Editor,
Sometime ago a good person and friend of mine was seen in church singing his heart out. The song was “Amazing Grace”, a beautiful, emotional song, with a line that says, “…saved a wretch like me!” Later, I confronted him, asking if he was really a wretch, and he kinda got mad. A lot of big people repeat this line.

I will tolerate being called a sinner, but not “a wretch.” No way! The writer of this song was one of the biggest slave traders in the world. Like Saul, who killed many people and was forgiven by the Christian God and exalted to sainthood as St. Paul, this slave trader became a priest and begged for forgiveness.

I am happy to hear that there is a move to change “wretch” to “soul”. Amazing! While I’m at it, there are some big people proclaiming we have a national prayer. Belize is a multi-everything country, so it would be nice if it is referred to as a prayer for Belize. Is there any other country that has a so-called national prayer?

And finally, for now, “Redemption”! The Governor General, on the advice of his Council, can address the overcrowding at the Belize Central Prison. The good gentleman, Mr. Murillo, is under pressure because of Covid-19. Now is a good time to look at commuting the sentences of some prisoners who have fallen by the wayside. Some community service on the balance of their sentence could make the coming of Easter a blessed occasion.

Sincerely,
Henry Young, Sr.