Dear Editor,
The continued arrests and allegations of torture of suspects in relation to the Ministry of Health fire is cause for grave concern and cannot be ignored. Last week I sent a letter to the Caribbean media welcoming the Guyana government’s acceptance of assistance with the investigation into the destruction of the health ministry and urging that Southcom‘s role not be restricted to lab tests, but extend to full participation in the investigative process, including the allegations of the torture of suspects.
Since that letter there have been more arrests of suspects and allegations of violence against at least one more suspect. The police have said that the wounds sustained were self inflicted, but one finds it outrageous that someone in police custody could carry out such an act. But then again in Guyana nothing should come as a surprise, including the report in one section of the media that police headquarters had been broken and entered over the weekend.
The burning of the Ministry of Health is a very serious matter and no stone must be left unturned in trying to determine if in fact this was arson and who committed it and why. This investigation must not be compromised and the allegations of torture etc, must be investigated immediately by an independent body. The Joint Services must also take care in handling any other suspects it arrests, for further allegations of violence will not be tolerated. This is not a threat to the Joint Services but they must know that there are legitimate steps that can be taken which could have serious consequences for those found guilty of violence and/or torture against any Guyanese, even if they are suspected of breaking the law.
Cabinet Secretary Roger Luncheon has told the media that he is awaiting a report on the allegations of the torture of Troy Small. Previous investigations into allegations of torture have yielded few or no results. Many of us in the diaspora have had enough of these allegations of human rights violations being ignored. These latest allegations will not be allowed to go unchallenged, especially since they could compromise the investigation into the destruction of national assets involving a building, equipment and records. The assets destroyed are those of the people of Guyana, not of the PPP, the PNC and the AFC, and whoever is responsible for this destruction must be brought to justice.
Against this backdrop, therefore, I urge President Jagdeo to set up an independent commission devoid of any politicians and current army or police personnel to immediately investigate and report to the Guyanese public on these allegations of torture and violence against suspects in the alleged firebombing of the health ministry.
Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy is considered to be among the few effective and competent ministers of the Guyana government. His ministry has been the recipient of millions of dollars from the US government and private funding and as US citizens we have more than a passing interest in exactly who would destroy assets associated with the critical work this ministry performs.
The establishment of a commission should be done by the end of July with a report available to the public by mid-August.
Yours faithfully,
Wesley Kirton
