Dear Editor,
I am outraged by the recent examples of a blatant disregard for criminal justice, lack of accountability by the police, and a growing sense of personal insecurity in our communities. I have been approached by many friends, family and even strangers that feel the need to vent their outrage about the country’s failing judicial system and moral decline.
The citizens of Guyana were failed on November 19 when a murder accused was set free following the preliminary enquiry, in circumstances where the crime had been recorded on video surveillance. Our police, who are hired to protect the citizens, did not make the video evidence available to the court. Therefore, the court of public opinion must now judge their actions.
I am also very disappointed in the lack of media coverage of this travesty of justice. In a free society where the citizens are afraid to walk the streets without fear of violence, the independent media have a responsibility to provide the people with a platform to express their fears and desires.
Why do some people seem to be above the law while the majority of the citizens are scared and suffering? Do power, privilege and connections provide some immunity? We seem to be drifting towards a way of life where every facet of our existence appears to have an established market value, including the supposedly invaluable gift of life itself.
Basic good sense dictates we must make certain critical contributions to the upkeep of our society, so that we in return are protected by the institutions of that society – a contract that is essential for us to honour if we are to prevent a descent into anarchy. Our predictably passive response in the light of the incident above is unwise. If ever there was a time that our usual silence and ‘neutrality’ should be overruled by justice, morality, and a sense of collective responsibility, now is the time.
Yours faithfully,
Selwin Asafa George
