Lawrence Rowe deserves an official pardon

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am of the opinion that the Government of Jamaica, the sporting fraternity and the public at large should jointly move to publicly pardon cricketer extraordinaire, Mr Lawrence Rowe, at this time. Enough is enough!

This former marquee cricketer, arguably one of the most gifted/classic batsmen to have played the game, has paid, and is still paying, a heavy price over the years – literally outcasted from the world of sports and other segments of the wider society – for what some would say was a moment of indiscretion, in being a member of the West Indies team on that historic and infamous cricket tour (rebel tour) of South Africa during the apartheid era.

Although the ban imposed by the West Indies Cricket Board was subsequently lifted, there has been no real compassion extended to this exceptional sports personality – one who has contributed so much to the development of the psyche and confidence of our people by his exceptional exploit in the game of cricket.

His world record of being the only batsman to have scored a double century and a century in his first Test still stands – a double in the first and a single in the second inning.

Lawrence Rowe is among an elite group of cricketers who have scored over 300 runs in a single inning, and to think that this feat was accomplished right here in Jamaica at our own Sabina Park. Just imagine the pride and glory that was brought to bear on a very young nation then. Its impact on the productivity of the people/workforce was inspiring.
STANDARD-BEARER

Lawrence George Rowe is a standard-bearer for our sporting achievements. He has placed the bar at a very high level with astonishing performances. It is full time we forgive this outstanding son of our soil. Let us bring him in from the cold.

As a people, we Jamaicans often pride ourselves in being God-fearing. This stance, however, of unforgiveness and endless isolation is quite contradictory. It certainly will be an indelible blot on our conscience if we fail to publicly reprieve and honour this outstanding son of our soil while he is still with us in the flesh.

I urge that we move to officially honour this exceptional human being in the appropriate manner.

DALGALISH HENRY

Why people still holding this against rowe