Dear Editor,
Reference is made to PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar’s statement that “We [the PPP] are not a party that would just kill people for the first mistake that they make,” (SN, 25.12.07) in response to Minister Kellawan Lall’s gun-touting behaviour. This is the most ridiculous statement I ever heard from a leading party functionary.
The fact is Minister Lall’s behaviour was irresponsible, illegal and unbecoming of a government official. He fired more than one shot from his firearm in an irresponsible, illegal and unwarranted manner, and violations of the law by citizens should be determined by the courts. Given the above the Minister’s behaviour cannot be treated lightly, and neither should the PPP or President Jagdeo treat it lightly.
In a civilized society the rule of law is supreme and the parameter by which men live and peacefully co-exist. Failing to adhere to this fundamental principle, either by action or inaction, will hasten Guyana’s decline into a primitive society where might is right and only the strong survive.
This increasingly new trend has implications for all of us.
The society and media have to continue clamouring for a decent society by holding the government and ruling PPP responsible and accountable for their many violations of good governance and the rule of law.
Yours faithfully,
Humphrey Charles
