Friday, February 7, 2020
By FARRAH JOHNSON
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
KHANDI Gibson, founder and president of the local advocacy group Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), wants the government to enforce legislation that would ensure that perpetrators are responsible for supporting the families of victims affected by their acts of violence.
“We will be advocating hard under the theme called ‘A Debt for a Debt’,” she told The Tribune during a recent interview.
“We’re asking the government to look at legislation, change legislation (and) adjust or amend legislation and statutes (to ensure that) persons who would have harmed, attacked or killed anybody, that (their) victims now must be compensated – especially when there are kids involved.”
Ms Gibson said in instances of “domestic affairs” when a mother or father is killed, it should not be the sole responsibility of the government to take care of the children affected by the crime.
“Once you’re found guilty... from you first start working, your job is to work and take care of (those affected) children because you chose to take away their mother or father from them,” she said. “So that means you have to go into the prison tailor shop and make your children’s uniform every year, that’s your job.
“If Christmas comes and you have to make them a jewellery box or some kind of toy every year, then that’s your job taking care of your child.”
“...You have to not only think that you’re just convicted, but you have to be now held accountable and responsible for your actions.”
As it relates to other initiatives FOAM is facilitating, Ms Gibson revealed that the organisation recently held a candlelight vigil in honour of three women who were killed.
She also said the advocacy group has started issuing client cards that give users discounts for a variety of services.
“If you would have been shot, you’re in (a) wheelchair because of violence, or you’re on crutches because of violence...it’s an automatic 10 percent off at a few of our sponsored pharmacies.
“Also, once kids (are) involved, you qualify for 10 percent off uniform assistance and clothing,” she said.
Comments
Chucky says...
Idiot, stupid idea.
What does she think the criminals have ceo side jobs. Most go to jail for many years, longer than kids take to grow up.
Posted 7 February 2020, 7:34 a.m. Suggest removal
Farren says...
...if they are unable to cash compensate then they must pay with their lives; impose the Death Penalty. Justice must begin in that murder infested country.
Posted 7 February 2020, 8:07 a.m. Suggest removal
Chucky says...
Best idea yet!
Of course we used to do this and for some reason stopped
Posted 8 February 2020, 6:38 a.m. Suggest removal
joeblow says...
Most of these low life criminals have no education or legal jobs, they are hustlers and low level dealers. What will they pay with?
Posted 7 February 2020, 8:04 a.m. Suggest removal
Farren says...
...with their lives... 'Death Penalty'.
Posted 7 February 2020, 8:08 a.m. Suggest removal
joeblow says...
...I support that!
Posted 7 February 2020, 9:21 a.m. Suggest removal
bogart says...
Good points. Many of these killers little education, no jobs except those who actually are known as 'hitmen' paid for killings, usually from ghetto dismal poverty, single parent homes with numbers of chillrens, fatherless role models, etcetc.
Politicians are aware of these areas and are reluctant to have means they have to enforce the law amend Court to have final say etc even already having Commission for mercy after or evrn have Referendum on Death Penslty once and final. Obvious as the public fully knows that these areas have the broadest range of improvements to politically manipulate desperate, dire, swing dem false promises plenty free tee shirts, macaroni an cheese music rallys areas in order to get essential 5 or so Constituency Seats
Posted 7 February 2020, 11:54 a.m. Suggest removal
Chucky says...
Take off the tribal face paint lady and try using your brain.
Sure it sounds good to make criminals pay, but with what?
And half the victims at least, are getting their due, paid back in the same street violence that they themselves have inflicted on others.
This woman is the epitome of your typical big fat blob with an equally big mouth that’s so desperate and to hear her own verbal diarrhoea that she can’t even take the time to think about the fool she says.
Posted 7 February 2020, 8:53 a.m. Suggest removal
banker says...
>Take off the tribal face paint lady and try using your brain.
My thoughts exactly. Looks like she come straight outa Junkanoo.
Posted 7 February 2020, 11:28 a.m. Suggest removal
Clamshell says...
Agree ...l sounds like she’s looking for someone to cover her tab at the spa.
Posted 7 February 2020, 1:18 p.m. Suggest removal
John says...
The concept may be good if it is properly tweaked. Prisoners do get on the work program where the earn money that is either held on account for them or go to their families. Since murderers get life imprisonment (twenty five years) this is twenty five years of earnings that can go to minor children or a widowed spouse. And whilst these murderers may not be CEOs, some are mechanics, construction workers, tradesmen that are capable of earning substantial income.
Posted 7 February 2020, 9:34 a.m. Suggest removal
Chucky says...
How does twenty five years of wages go to minor children? Are children minors for 25 years?
Who decides if the murder victims was an innocent victim, or if they were in fact part of a gang and died by the same sword they had been yielding.
Stupid idea.
Life insurance exists for a reason!
Posted 8 February 2020, 6:36 a.m. Suggest removal
The_Oracle says...
Sure, prisoners who work are paid.........pennies a day!
Here we are though, trying to find a patch for the real problem.
WE do not value life. not yours and not our own.
WE do not teach the value of life. Nor dispute resolution, not do we set example by obeying the law.
WE do not take the time to talk to our kids, from birth to 18, and beyond.
Posted 7 February 2020, 2:17 p.m. Suggest removal
Bonefishpete says...
Well there's always work release for them.
Posted 7 February 2020, 5:25 p.m. Suggest removal
Bonefishpete says...
Better yet make everyone have to have mandatory liability insurance.
They can tie it into the mandatory house insurance.
Posted 7 February 2020, 5:28 p.m. Suggest removal
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