Dear Editor,
It seems like shooting guns in the air is the new “in” thing for government officials. It was somewhat amusing reading about the second PPP/C official getting into yet another argument with some guy, who was chatting up “his” call-girl. I find it sort of a coincidence that these two incidents occurred so closely behind each other and are practically of the exact nature. Another official believing he can do as he likes. These guys are really mocking the law and that clearly goes to show that the one-sided manner in which the police handled Minister Lall’s case was an encouragement instead of a deterrent to such behaviour. However, I do think that Atkinson’s case, on part of the police, was perhaps a bit better handled that Lall’s. His case resulted in immediate seizure of his firearm because of indiscriminate use. According to Atkinson, he was released on self-bail, which was a further acknowledgement of wrongdoing by the police on his part. These men should be charged, sent before the courts and ordered never again to hold a weapon as dangerous as a pistol in their hands.
The President, upon his return, was very amateurish in his handling of Lall’s case. He said that the Commissioner of Police told him that both parties did not want to pursue the matter. The President and the Commissioner of Police are intelligent men, who know very well that Lall is not in any place to pursue or not pursue that matter. That option rested solely in the hands of the victim who was Doodnauth. But of course he does not want to “bring down” Lall so I guess that’s why he made that statement. The President also stated that Lall was “asked” to surrender his firearm and from all “indications” he “may” have done so. It’s like he doesn’t care or it’s not important. Please remind the President that we are dealing with a case involving illegal use of a firearm which could have taken an innocent life. Someone who has committed such an act is not “asked” to surrender his/her handgun in a case of negligent use, he/she is compelled or ordered by the law to lodge such. His first act should have been to make sure that Lall’s weapon was lodged if Lall did not want to comply with the law.
These men are not afraid of criminal charges or losing their jobs over wrongdoings, therefore we all have to stand in solidarity and condemn them until justice is served. Holding the positions of ministers is just a fancy term for public servants.
These men and women are paid with our tax dollars to carry out various functions for the government. It is of vital importance that these people are of respectable character. The outpouring of dissatisfaction along with harsh criticism of these officials from very prominent people and a call for firm action from opposition parties is a step in the right direction. These men are undermining the legitimate and hardworking law-abiding government officials but apparently the President is turning a deaf ear so far to justice.
Yours faithfully,
Lewis Hale
