Dear Editor,
Lowell was perhaps rather perceptive when he observed “Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne”.
We learnt from the media that our illustrious Head of State while in Trinidad dealing with security said some things with which we all must agree.
“The Caribbean needs ‘real’ crime solutions”.
The old folks told us it is not what you say it is what you do. If we then fail to deal with the genesis of crime we falter.
His Excellency further declared the need for better equipped security forces, and strong legislative support”. Again we must agree but “until and unless we deal with criminality in all of its manifestations and ramifications – success is unlikely to result from just better equipment etc.
All over the world the key to a secure and safe society is intelligence gathering, competence, highly professional dedicated officers, beyond narrow political influence and of prime importance the perception of justice for all (due apologies to CNS).
Locking up people who speak up and offer to help, terrorizing selected communities, and rushing to judgment are all counter productive.
For example because of clumsy and crude operational programmes, citizens along most of the East Coast Demerara corridor are unlikely to help the Police and Army.
We need a serious structured and open dialogue, even to include those deemed operating beyond the boundary line.
Next we must avoid stage-managed PR engagements that over time fall by the wayside. How many reports have we had dealing with security that are gathering dust? – But we need worry more as we hear of a better-equipped security force. If the administration’s idea of better equipment is demonstrated by the recent purchase of two 206 Bell helicopters then may Almighty God help us.
We buy a twenty-eight year old vintage helicopter in the 21st century, then the propaganda spin doctors go to work in the Chronicle (unlikely to publish this letter) to regale us about the virtues of a Bell Chopper with ten thousand flying hours. We’re not told if it was completely refurbished or what work it did before. Was it at an auction?
Apart from questions as to who are the agents or middlemen in this transaction, were the real experts and experienced persons involved? I met the pilot who was once responsible for the helicopter air corps last week – he was not consulted.
But could the administration say why not rehabilitate the bigger and more suitable helicopter – the Bell 412, which is sitting idle on the ground?
Captain Gouveia is correct, a woeful waste of taxpayer’s money.
But what is government’s policy, or philosophy when it comes to buying machinery? We buy brand new BMW’s for World Cup/Rio group meeting for a period of two – three weeks. But we buy 28 year old aircraft. One would assume the reverse policy would make sense since the market is full of good second hand reconditioned cars, which we only needed for a relatively short period.
A brand new Bell commercial 206 B – 3 helicopter a similar but slightly advanced model to the one purchased, cost US$2.1 million and I am advised, is not readily available. However a new Bell 206 L – 4 Helicopter is available which has superior features to our used 1980 model. These include seating for seven persons. This aircraft can be had for US$2.5 million now from the manufacturer.
We are told how much is being done, yet years after the jail break we had to turn to Trinidad for helicopter support in circumstances where the previous administration, showing the way, had acquired pre 1992 nine helicopters as follows:
(a) Two M1-8 Russian built choppers each capable of transporting sixteen troops, with powerful lifting and hovering capability.
(b) Two Bell 212 each capable of taking twelve persons and faster than the 2006.
(c) One Bell 412 capable of taking twelve persons – still available in Guyana but needs to be made serviceable. Why not this option?
(d) Two French built (Aloette) choppers capable of carrying five persons each.
(e) Two Bell 206 capable of taking four persons each – similar to what this administration has bought.
The previous administration had considered a special helicopter capable of landing and taking off on water – we are a land of many waters.
Let the people judge on these issues.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, J.P.
