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World Down Syndrome Day

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Whoa there, Kolbe

LettersWhoa there, Kolbe
The Editor, Amandala,
Sir,
 
I think readers would be very interested in these excerpts from the Kolbe Foundation Newsletter (Volume 1, Issue 1). Here goes, from page 6 of the newsletter: Proposals are also being submitted to introduce ‘indeterminate sentencing’. This other step requires changes in the legislation. Instead of finite sentences, inmates will be given a minimum and a maximum time, depending on the nature of the crimes, example: one year to five years for non-violent/minimum crimes, two to ten years for medium crimes and maximum crimes would carry five to twenty years sentencing. Release would then be dependent on parole requirements: behavior, victim reconciliation, family support, church or group support, and ability to earn a living. These changes will not only go a long way in reducing prison population but would also promote a healthy community environment.
 
My brothers and sisters, “there’s so much things I won’t say right now”…“so much things I won’t say.” But I have to say this. According to Kolbe’s proposal, a man can go to jail for a minor crime, and if he refuses to bow down to Kolbe, he’ll rot for five years. But a man who rapes a baby girl (major crime), if he bows down to Kolbe, he could get fifteen years taken off his sentence. Whoa!
 
According to the Kolbe Newsletter, when they took over the prison about five years ago, because The Government of Belize acknowledged that the prison system was corroding and needed proper management, the inmate population was 900. Today the inmate population is 1,461, a staggering 61% increase, this despite Parole eligibility… after completing 1/3 of sentence (instead of previous ½) under the new Kolbe system. THESE NUMBERS, THEY MEAN SOMETHING!
 
If I seem to be attacking Kolbe, please, no. A capitalist state is dependent on charity. Belize is a capitalist state. So, the Rotarians who run Kolbe should be congratulated for helping out. But, it is abuse of power, arrogance, to foist the new “parole system” and “indeterminate sentencing” on the nation, without seeking the people’s approval. And what is the meaning of a galloping prison population?
 
Respectfully,
Colin
 

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