In spite of her insensitive statement in response to a mother losing a child to a heinous crime, I refuse to join in the public outcry to chastise and bash Nalini Dial. In fact, Ms Dial has my nomination for a national award for her dedication to animal rights.

To those of you who are involved in animal rights, you would empathise with Ms Dial for statements regarding the inhumane treatment of animals, and her condemnation of the San Fernando Mayor and the Government for their nonchalant attitude in the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Have you ever encountered a dog that is so weak from hunger that it can't even muster up the strength to eat? Have you ever rescued a sick animal from the street? If your answer is no, then you don't have the moral right to sit in judgment of a woman who has dedicated her life to animal rights.

Like Ms Dial, whose politically incorrect statement was perhaps motivated by passion, the COP too has acted precipitately by asking her to resign her post in the party. Did Lincoln Douglas take the time to evaluate Ms Dial and all that she stands for, or did he simply respond to public condemnation for her emotionally charged statement?

I don't believe Ms Dial is very much different from any of us with our all-too-human foibles. I may perhaps join in a public outcry to ostracise Ms Dial if those in government and other public figures are truly genuine in their grief and empathy for Marlene Coudray; but who am I to say. Civil society demands that we act in a certain way—all of us, including politicians are duty bond to satisfy social conscience.

After all is said and done, I am willing to accept an apology from Ms Dial, and move on.

I too believe that the life of an animal is precious and that their wellbeing should engage the attention of government and society, but I condemn Ms Dial's callous statement about retribution. Her action could be viewed as defeating her own cause. I can only imagine the pain that Ms Coudray— a mother, is feeling. Ms Dial should apologise and move forward, and, we should be willing to accept her apology.

Roland P Joseph

San Fernando