An attorney and a former senior police officer are pushing back against claims that proposed stand-your-ground legislation may incite racial violence. During a public consultation at the Three Roads Community Centre in Freeport, attorney Nyree Alfonso dismissed these racial assertions as distractions, urging the public to focus on the protection the law would provide. She stated that the real divide is between law-abiding citizens and criminals, emphasizing that crime transcends race and political affiliation. Alfonso, who is also a director at a gun dealership, criticized politicians for allegedly exploiting race in discussions about crime, although she refrained from naming any specific individuals.
Alfonso stressed the need to broaden the definition of curtilage to include the entrance of homes, citing a tragic kidnapping case as an example of the vulnerabilities homeowners face. She argued that the proposed legislation would empower homeowners to protect their properties, asserting that various household items, not just firearms, can be used for self-defense. She mentioned that tools like cutlasses, cricket bats, and even hot oil could serve as weapons in defending oneself at home.
Retired senior superintendent Johnny Abraham echoed Alfonso’s views, advising homeowners to keep a sharpened cutlass nearby for protection. He reflected on the increasing incidence of home invasions and the broader impact such crimes have on communities, noting the fear they instill in neighbors and victims. Abraham also criticized the narrative that self-defense measures are racially motivated, questioning how victims are expected to discern the race of intruders during a home invasion. His comments highlighted the urgency for effective self-defense laws that prioritize the safety of homeowners.
