Dear Editor,
It is reassuring news that according to news reports 40 ranks have been shortlisted for SWAT training. Congratulations. Let’s hope the PPP/C government does right by ensuring racial balance. Last October the Director of the US- based security and justice reform consultancy firm, TEG responsible for SWAT training Mr Dennis Hays, “had said the SWAT unit will be fully operational by August” this year. The government and police are responsible for selecting the trainees so there can be no excuses for racial imbalance this time.
Confidence in TEG’s professionalism is well placed, mindful that they are operating in a third world country unlike their previous experiences. Has that crack unit been earmarked for a top-up by the Finance Minister? They should even if the opposition’s long knives are being sharpened.
APNU’s shadow Minister of Home Affairs and former Police Commissioner, Mr Winston Felix, does not give a SWAT for it to affect Guyana’s crime situation. It was reported that “Mr Felix is convinced that Guyana has not reached a state where a SWAT team is necessary and … it could become wayward.” Why he has been selected by APNU to manage crime in a future government can only be instructional with him in the lead.
Yours faithfully,
Sultan Mohamed
