It is unfortunate that the proposed electronic bracelets to be used for monitoring citizens who are out on bail, should be compared to the chains that shackled slaves. Those chains kept them shackled to the sailing ships bringing them out of Africa or tied them to a block until they were sold.
If I was a Remand Yard prisoner waiting for my case to be heard, I would rather wear an electronic surveillance bracelet on all four limbs and be free to circulate with family and friends.
Electronic bracelets are a necessary evil in a small Third World society where the logistics of the police being able to cope would be impossible. With our history of taking long years to get cases heard, it would be far more agreeable to voluntarily submit to electronic recording. What is of importance is that the police and law enforcement agents do not seek to embarrass wearers unnecessarily. But what constitutes "unnecessary intrusions" must be clearly agreed.
One hand cannot clap in the effort to see that justice is efficiently and fairly served. Prisoners should be mindful that monitoring will mean that their whereabouts will be screened.
Privacy outside the prison walls and privacy liming with friends mean that true friends can take it in stride if one is being monitored.
Members of the public will feel more secure and accepting of the monitored who are waiting for cases to be heard. Some could realistically seek employment as employers will feel secure that their part time workers are enterprising, ambitious and willing to make use of the surveillance to their advantage.
All I can say is its up to you if you want to take off your bracelet, mate. For me, if mine even starts slipping off or appears faulty, I would be telephoning the police for a new one.
Lynette Joseph