Dear Editor,

During Paul Slowe’s farewell speech, he mentioned his desire for the improvement of the Guyana Police Force. I too share his dream, since my encounter twice with law officials prompted me to pen this letter.

In the first instance, I failed to observe a traffic rank while he was directing traffic at the intersection of Alexander and Regent streets. He signalled me to the corner and requested my documents and so on. Two patrol officers nearby came to his aid and one of the two asked, “Wuh yuh gon do fo save yuhself?” I replied saying if I broke the law then I should face just punishment. The duo proceeded to escort me to the Brickdam police station, but they stopped me at the corner of Charlotte and Camp streets and asked me for another bribe. Again I refused and they sent me away with disgust.

The second time (and hopefully my last), was when I was coming out from UG campus one evening. There were no buses on campus and I offered my classmate a ride to the ‘line top’ for him to access transportation. Whilst on UG Road, I passed a cop’s car but paid no mind.

After I dropped my friend off and was about to ride away, the cop’s car pulled up. I walked up to the vehicle and seated in front were a policewoman and an inspector who was driving. In the back seat was a TSU rank. The TSU rank asked why I wasn’t wearing a helmet and requested my licence and documents. All three cops scrutinized them. He said I was going to be “locked up tonight,” but my attitude was very cool and ordinary as if I were speaking to a friend. The TSU rank surprised me by asking, “Suh wuh yuh gon do fo save yuhself?” I was shocked because this was exactly the same question the patrol officer had asked me previously! It seems as if they rehearse this line before they go on duty.

I told him if my action was an offence then I had no problem facing the law. There was silence from all three parties. The TSU rank closed the door and told me to be on my way.

Editor, by the recognition of my own folly, there should be retribution, but officers like those cast a bad image of the force. What was more appalling was the consenting silence the two officers gave that TSU rank to be asking for a bribe. Maybe they too were expecting ‘a raise.’

What I realize in both scenarios is, if you are honest the cops don’t even act. Police asking for bribes (and so many willing to give) are a recipe for corruption.

I share your dream, Mr Slowe.

Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)