Dear Editor,
As we continue the struggles for human and trade union rights we are aware the task will be long, difficult and tedious. While we are confronted with adversities, we need support in person and in spirit from every citizen who is committed to a just society, for justice transcends race, religion, culture and political affiliation. It is that which differentiates civilized people from the uncivilized; the moral from the immoral; the politically mature and socially conscious from the politically immature and socially naïve. We believe that in the hearts of every Guyanese there lies a sense of justice that must be nurtured and allowed to grow around the principles of human rights.
These values are lost to us when as a people we allow our institutions, family, religion, government not to be held accountable for the high tenets which they often pay lip service to but fail to embrace.
During our recent lock-up at the Brickdam Police Station, which we see as a violation of our rights and an attempt by the Jagdeo administration to silence us, several organizations and individuals publicly expressed their solidarity with us, and their disdain for what took place. From quarters where it was least expected concerns have been raised and recognition expressed for our right to say “enough.”
We put President Jagdeo and his associates on notice that we will continue to agitate in pursuit of change for the realization of a fair and just society. We will not be fearful of state abuse and the unleashing of criminality to tarnish our peaceful and constitutional efforts to protest the injustices meted out to Guyanese. It is our transparent agitation within the parameters of the laws consistent with our human rights, and utilizing various strategies that will be our most potent weapons. We know the faces behind Roger Khan, and what Guyanese must focus on is the criminal hierarchy that he was a part off, both those who have been named and others not yet fully unveiled.
Criminals of all races, drug dealers, murderers, bandits, kidnappers, those who pull the trigger , those who buy or supply the gun, those who look out, those who cover up the evidence and bear false witness and those who give the orders from safe distances are one and the same. They are the scourge of the earth and should be brought to justice in a reputable court of law.
On behalf of my comrades, Norris Witter and Mark Benschop, we chose this medium to express our gratitude to the President and officers of the Guyana Trades Union Congress; the People’s National Congress; the Alliance For Change; the Working People’s Alliance; the African Cultural and Development Association; Dr Richard Van West Charles; Mr Khemraj Ramjattan; Mr Raphael Trotman; Ms Deborah Backer; former Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen; Mr Balwant Persaud; Sir Roy Trotman, Vice-Chairman, International Labour Organisation governing body; the media; families and friends, scores of Guyanese present at the vigil, and those who made calls or sent out a prayer.
It is important that we record our appreciation for the professionalism demonstrated by the members of the Guyana Police Force stationed at Brickdam, who were responsible for our supervision during the period of incarceration. Their behaviour is indicative of the fact that all is not lost and there still remain officers in the force who take their oath seriously.
The struggle continues until peace and justice prevail in Guyana for all Guyanese. Even those involved with Roger Khan must be accorded a fair trial when the time comes.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
