By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
“Strupes, no hanging!”- However inhumane such an utterance may seem, it was the general sentiment shared by many when Tuesday, June 19th, passed and there was no hanging.
Everson “Blee” Mitcham was sentenced to be hanged for the 2001 murder of Vernal Nisbett but Mitcham, through his legal team, launched an appeal to the Privy Council, in London, effectively staying his execution- which was scheduled for June 19th.
The Caribbean Court of Appeal had recently upheld his execution, which led to the establishing of a date for his execution but the last line of appeal has been utilized.
From the time it was leaked that Mitcham would be hanged, many in the community saw it as ideal avenue to send a message to violent criminals that the recent increase in criminal activity was intolerable.
Many felt an execution would dissuade those who had any criminal intent, especially the gun toting villains, and essentially curb the situation to a level of respectability.
One resident noted that now the execution has not taken place that many criminals would operate under the notion that they will not receive capital punishment once they take a life.
Another saw it as a slap in the face for the local justice system, which indicates that criminals have avenues to avoid the maximum penalty for their crimes. ~~Adz:Right~~
Interestingly, some were of the view that Mitcham should have been hanged before he got the opportunity to appeal.
Such is an indication of the wariness of Kittitians and Nevisians of the senseless murders and other criminal activities that have left residents concerned for their safety and for the image of the country.
One resident put things in a very interesting perspective when he asked, “Who is winning? The Law or the criminals? Better yet, whose side is the law on?”
