Dear Editor,
Guyanese have followed reports in the media related to the motion dealing with allegations of torture.
I was both amused and bemused by the stout defence offered by speakers from the government benches.
Responsible citizens who know the history of our country need demand an explanation from the ruling elite, which up to the early 90’s were very critical, if not hostile to our Security Forces.
Recall the Police being described as ‘PNC goons’ at public meetings by PPP leaders. Later, we noted the strident recommendation about the need for a racial balance within the Security Forces to reflect the ethnic composition of this Country.
This proposal was officially advanced by the PPP, even after they came into office (the Commission on the Security Forces records’ are there).
They only appeared to back off when Mr Leslie Melville and myself, in separate presentations argued against any arrangement, which would artificially determine the composition of any section of our society, ignoring our history and age old preferences.
However, we contended that if the ruling Party felt strongly about racial balance, then their wisdom of asking that society be manned based on the racial composition of Guyana, needed to be extended to include all areas of national activity, scholarship, land distribution, contracts, radio time etc.
This effort by the ruling party needs to be known to understand how convenient it now is for the PPP Government to appear to be defending the Security Forces.
During the debate in parliament one PPP MP reading from notes talked a great deal abut alleged excesses by the PNC regime.
Apart from the many inaccuracies and distortions, what is relevant at this time is the fact that our Security Forces consist generally of excellent officers and ranks.
There are hard working patriots in all of our services. However alas, the rogue and brutal elements have apparently found a friend in the present administration. Strange bed fellows.
This is sad and sorry since the few are giving these forces a rather bad name, worse generating a loss of confidence.
What the public should note is this, whenever a member of the Police Force in the execution of their duties ‘touches’ a member of the present top brass, they are severely criticized.
I observed this where I was one day, just outside the Jelante Pharmacy on Mandela Avenue. A Police Patrol stopped the son of a Government Minister, we looked on. Surprising to observe how a citizen could abuse ranks of the police force in public. Later his father chides the police ranks.
Why did certain officers seek statements from eyewitnesses (oops a bad Lindo word).
We must not be fooled by the blandishment of certain government officials who now purport to defend the security forces.
Some folks openly call for the secession of Berbice, but not a word from our authorities, based on other moves by the police to charge people for sedition; I ask is this proposal not worthy of a charge of treason, sedition or even ill will?
Recall when Roger Khan publicly proclaimed acts which were clearly illegal, not a whimper from those who charge others with lesser deeds – different strokes for different folks.
Worst of all, the Government has become so cocksure and arrogant that they use their majority in Parliament etc. to ignore cogent arguments and known facts about torture but go along their merry merciless way.
Finally, could NCN host a seminar to educate the population on where roughing up ends and torture begins?
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP
