On the road to justice

Miu Lan Esposo-Aguiar died on March 31, 2000, from injuries after being set

ablaze on March 12, 2000, allegedly by her husband, Gregory

Aguiar.

Obviously, this is a despicable and heinous crime. It is a tragedy

that shocks our conscience. How can someone that professes their love for us,

hurt us so much? That is a question humanity has faced from time immemorial, an

albatross that will forever challenge our souls.

This newspaper, The Garden

Island, June 28, 2000, reported that “since the crime, residents have

staged rallies calling for a halt against violence against women.” When

Gregory Aguiar’s case unravels, it will show that Mr. Aguiar is not the

appropriate poster boy for the rallies.

Mr. Aguiar, 49 years old, has

worked for the same company for almost 30 years and is not prone to violence.

Mr. Aguiar, a teetotaler is a hardworking man who loves his wife dearly.

Gregory Aguiar, who does not use any illegal drug or even smoke, is a meek

father who has never had problems with the law.

As opposed to the court of

public opinion, we should let Mr. Aguiar be tried in a court of law, where the

facts, circumstances, contexts and principles of the Rule of Law are all taken

into consideration.

Meanwhile, let us remember the poet, Alexander Pope,

who wrote “to err is human, to forgive divine.” Forgiving does not

mean forgetting. We can not forget hurt, nor should we. Forgiving does allow us

to unlock the emotional handcuffs and begin the process of healing. Forgiving

is not about letting the person that hurt us off the hook either, it is pulling

the thorn out of our flesh.

Surely, it will be painful, especially for Miu

Lan’s family. We need, however, to let go of our anger, and recognize that

every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. We should let the Role of

Law prevail and not become obstacles on the road to justice.

Jaye

Alford, Inmate,

Kauai Community Correctional Center