Golding's unforgivable action against John Doe

LAST WEEK, the Jamaica Observer encouraged Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to 'spill the beans' on co-conspirators in order that, "If he does, perhaps then, his nation can forgive him". However, we should forgive Dudus whether or not he spills the beans. We should have no hatred toward Dudus. The only correlation for Dudus is in the Lord's prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." And that is a matter between God and Dudus.

Similarly, we ought not to have any hatred towards Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Neither should his expression of remorse be tied to what he has pledged to do. The PM could be sincerely remorseful and he does not do one thing he said he would do and he could do all that he has pledged and the apology was not genuine. Again, we must leave the judgement on the expression of remorse to God and the PM.

What we are competent to judge is the PM's infraction against Constable John Doe. There are different Greek words for sin, that is, there is a word for sin when we fall short of God's standards; another which is a result of our rebellion against God's will and another for presumptuous sinning (Hebrews 10:26-27).Romans 1 speaks about the depraved mind who "suppress the truth by their wickedness" and whom God gives over to their 'shameful lusts' because they are reprobates. And then there is the unforgivable sin. Mark 3:22-30 recalls that the teachers of the law said Jesus was possessed by the prince of demons and by that power was driving out demons. So Jesus retorted: "All the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven." What is unpardonable is when we deliberately equate the Holy Spirit with demons.

The unpardonable sin

It could be argued that whenever we claim that which is completely good to be completely bad, then we are in danger of committing an unpardonable sin. When the difference between right and wrong is as far as the east is from the west, then that seems unforgivable. If Al Miller is correct when he claimed that he was doing right and the police charge him for perverting the course of justice, then the police have passed the mercy seat of God. However, if the police are correct, then it means that a pastor is calling wrong right. That would be unforgivable!

Sin against constable doe

Did the PM commit an unforgivable sin in dealing with John Doe who provided information from the wiretaps on Dudus to the United States authorities? The Golding administration's affidavit to the US desired the identity of Doe so that he could investigate the matter with a view to lay criminal charges against him. It was stated emphatically that Doe had done wrong. But Hardley Lewin, former commissioner of police, said Doe followed all protocols and now he fears for Doe's life. It is unforgivable and inexcusable for PM to portray Doe as a potential criminal when he was a genuine crime fighter. This constable has paid the ultimate price of having to hide so that Jamaicans can be safe and secure. His life will never be the same again.

Everybody has forgotten the real hero, Constable Doe. Nobody defended his rights. No one has hailed his contribution in the extradition of Dudus. The PM has reversed himself in saying that he did not sign the extradition, not because of illegal wiretaps, but because of the state of the economy.

John Doe has now been exonerated. He played by the rules, risking his life for us.

Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Churchand author of 'The Cross and the Machete: Native Baptists of Jamaica - Identity, Ministry and Legacy'. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.