You probably won't find a newspaper article titled, 'Who was Andrew Buchanan?' You won't find the media reports describing him as having difficulties in his personal life, or recovering from a broken relationship, having mental challenges. You won't see a hi5 photo of him sitting on a Mercedes Benz. No one waited eight hours to tackle him while he was armed and holding a plane crew hostage. He did not come out alive. This is Andrew Buchanan, not Stephen Fray.

Andrew, a 35-year-old blockmaker, was on bail in a case that came up in court as recently as last Wednesday. He was therefore reporting to the Constant Spring police station three times every week, and had last reported at the police station the Friday evening before his death. Yet, on Monday night, Deputy Superintendent of Police Carol McKenzie said on a television news programme that Andrew was wanted for murder and robbery. The reporter interviewing McKenzie didn't ask the superintendent why the police didn't hold Andrew when he reported as part of his bail agreement. The reporter also didn't ask why, if Andrew was indeed wanted, he could not have been arrested and charged - like Stephen Fray.

Contrasting statements

Here is the police story as reported by the media of how Andrew died last Saturday morning: "A police party was on patrol in the Grants Pen area when gunshots were heard. They say they responded and saw men running from a premises. When they investigated they reportedly came upon Mr Buchanan who pointed a gun at them. Investigators say they took evasive action and Mr Buchanan was shot and killed. An Astra 40 calibre pistol with a magazine containing seven rounds was seized."

Here are some comments on the way the security forces dealt with Stephen Fray:

Prime Minister Golding: "(Security forces must be recognised for the) tremendous show of good judgement, professionalism and for the excellent way they confronted a challenge, which resulted in not one ounce of blood being shed."

Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry: "I commend the members of the security forces who, acting in the highest professional manner, succeeded in taking the perpetrator into custody without loss of life or injury to anyone."

But Andrew Buchanan is not Stephen Fray.

I am, etc.,

YVONNE MCCALLA SOBERS

sobersy@yahoo.com