I searched the index of the Dictionary of Famous Quotations compiled by Robin Hyman but there was no reference to this quotation which is also called ‘the ethic of reciprocity’ or ‘the golden rule’.
However, I was alerted to quotations from the scriptures. The first is from Matthew 7:12- “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” and St Luke 6:31 “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise”.
So now I turn to the Sunday Stabroek of November 1, with the headline: ‘Boy, 15 tortured’ where it is reported, “Police, responding to a picture of the lad’s horrifically burnt genitals which was published on the front page of yesterday’s Kaieteur News, announced an investigation into a report of alleged excessive use of force on prisoners by members of the force”.
Later in the article under “Inhumane treatment” there is a report that “the teen’s mother, Shirley Thomas, and stepfather, Doodnauth Jaikarran called ‘Birdie’ yesterday appealed for justice. Jaikarran, while speaking to the media, said that what was done could not be humane treatment and expressed the desire that the ranks who committed the gruesome acts be met with similar treatment so that they could feel what his son went through. ‘I think the justice is to give them back the same treatment. This is not human treatment. They should get the same treatment, to feel the pains,’ the visibly upset man said, stressing that the experience could have killed his son.”
For some time now consumers citing the quotation above ‘Do unto others as you would that they should do to you’ have been recommending that similar treatment be accorded to those who aim to disfigure others; they claim this would put an end to criminal acts such as, the throwing of acid especially in the face or on the body of others. A term of imprisonment is not an adequate punishment for persons who commit these heinous crimes, they should have a taste of the suffering endured by the victims. This lad’s parents have voiced it and I would endorse what they suggest. Until there is retaliation we will continue to have persons disfigured for life.
In this case where a lad was tortured in a police station questions arise in our minds, where was the Officer in Charge when the boy was screaming?
Where were other officers? Did they not hear the screams or is it normal for prisoners at this station to be screaming when being interviewed? In the case of acid throwing, I am sure that there is some law that controls the use of acid by goldsmiths. Are checks being made on goldsmiths to ensure that acid is not illegally sold or transferred to others?
To end my script, I would hope that this marks a turning point for police relations towards citizens. Some of us have been regarding Guyana as a police state – ‘When the police say so, is so.’ Ask motorists and they will tell you no matter how innocent they are they have to accept the policeman’s verdict of a situation.
I hope that we can all channel our love to the young lad who has suffered so severely. May we begin to move upwards to a better Guyana, a happier and less frightening place to live in. May we extend our thanks to Kaieteur News for making this incident public.
