THE CROPPER CONDUCT

Angela Cropper, a social activist and recently appointed Independent Senator, lost her husband, mother and sister in one day in 2001. One of the two murderers, Lester Pitman, was the first person chosen to hang after Attorney General John Jeremie announced the State’s intention to execute every prisoner on Death Row. Inasmuch as Pitman still had a Privy Council appeal pending, it seems reasonable to assume that the Government made him their first choice at least partly because they felt the heinous nature of his crime, and the profile of the victims, would help strengthen public sentiment for swift executions.

However, the State made a mess of the procedure, claiming it had found no notice of an intent to file an appeal, even though attorney Gregory Delzin was easily able to produce the relevant statement, duly stamped by the authorities. On Tuesday, Ms Cropper said, "I was astounded to learn that a death warrant could be read to a convicted person while his appeal was still pending and I was relieved to see this stay of execution was successful."

So, in this matter, the State has failed to convince the individual most directly affected by the murders. And many persons will find it astounding that Ms Cropper can stand by her principles at this juncture. But this, of course, is the very essence of a principle — it does not change in the face of trying circumstances. Indeed, a principle which has never been tested is no principle at all.

Ms Cropper has cogent reasons for being against the death penalty — it goes against her principles, her philosophy, and she does not think it helps prevent murders. "A life should not be taken in retribution for a life," she said, even as she emphasised that murderers must pay a penalty for their crimes. But she also asserted that everyone is capable of redemption and that therefore rehabilitation in the prison system was a necessary part of penal reform.

What Ms Cropper is essentially saying is that capital punishment is not justice and that retribution would not give her any solace. Indeed, when asked if hanging Pitman would bring closure, Ms Cropper said, "There can never be any closure." Given this, it is even more admirable that she should stand by her principles in such a trying time, and in the face of what the majority of citizens would like to see. Indeed, many persons will not find Ms Cropper’s position admirable, but mystifying, since she is reacting not from raw emotion, but a reasoned and moral view.

Whether one agrees with Ms Cropper’s convictions or not, one thing cannot be denied — this country would be a lot better off if we had more people like her.