Dear Editor,
We, the executive and members of the Alexander Village Vishnu Mandir, and villagers, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those responsible for peace prevailing in our Village this Diwali. The Mandir, after more than a decade, was able to conduct its evening service unhindered and saw the lavish flourishing of diyas.
Interest in our plight was shown by the Minister of Home Affairs and President Jagdeo himself. The persons on the ground that executed their duties flawlessly and beyond the call of duty deserve special mention. In charge was acting Deputy Commander, David Ramnarine, working with full and direct support from the Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene – who also personally visited Alexander Village. Mr. Ramnarine’s team comprised of distinguished officers such as the Divisional Commander, Mr. Brummell, Public Relations Officer, John Sauers, Senior Superintendent, Gordon, and Assistant Superintendents, Das and Fowler. They were ably and professionally supported by over one hundred and fifty other senior and ordinary ranks, Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and Rural Constables (RCs). These people worked tirelessly and were on their feet for over eight hours until midnight. The media too worked hard to bring our issue to the fore. To them all, we say a warm heartfelt thank you.
It behoves us too to singularly recognise David Ramnarine who met with a delegation comprised of Danny Ramdeen, Jasmattie Shivraj, Ramesh Singh and Gerhard Ramsaroop. Mr. Ramnarine listened to us diligently, formulated an appropriate plan, and followed through faithfully. Minister Rohee made it clear that he does not wear a uniform and that ultimate responsibility rested with Mr. Ramnarine. We are therefore in order when we single out Mr. Ramnarine for praise, and acknowledge him as the one primarily responsible for peace for the first time in more than ten years. Mr. Ramnarine has ended the long drought of inadequate official response, and we look forward to his continuing ascent in the Guyana Police Force. His leadership, and the professional conduct he inspired from his team, speaks for itself.
Minister Rohee was clear too in his words to us that we could not expect to have our cake and eat it. Therefore, one of the conditions in affording us heightened security was that persons could not linger or gather in groups, and this caused complaints that people could not admire the lights for long enough. To those affected, we offer our heartfelt apologies and ask that you please bear with us until the situation is normalised. To that end, Mr. Ramnarine has further assured us of support for a few years yet, and we look forward to regaining the glory days of a warm and open Alexander Village during Diwali.
Yours faithfully,
Ravo Sukhram, Danny Ramdeen, Rajesh Ramotar,
Gerhard Ramsaroop, Narita Singh, Jasmattie Shivraj,
Meggie Danram, and numerous others.
