Dear Editor,
Having read the various news reports on the situation involving both Samuel Elvis and Alex Griffith, I am touched and concerned about the horrific circumstances that joined them in that they have suffered serious injuries at the hands of experienced police officers in circumstances that do require a full, fair and impartial investigation.
While I have not met either young man, I was very affected by the p. 13 Stabroek News article dated May 03, 2014 on Mr. Elvis, that was followed up by a Capitol News report.
I was also very touched by the young Mr. Griffith with his sign outside of Police Headquarters and CID Headquarters seeking some modicum of justice.
Victims of crimes, particularly where the allegations involve police officers deserve better. Public confidence and trust in the police requires that in such circumstances the victims are not made to feel intimidated. Neither Mr. Griffith nor his mother should have been subjected to any calls to “settle” the issue of the police cadet shooting him, that is a matter for the police in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether on the facts of the case that a charge of attempted murder should be laid and prosecuted in the court. Similarly, in the Elvis case, it is for the police in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and/or aggravated assault and/or discharging a firearm endangering life, as the case may be, should be laid against the Corporal who shot Constable Elvis.
In order to assist Constable Elvis with his transportation costs from Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara to Georgetown to deal with his treatment, I have personally taken the decision today to donate G$108,000.00 ($600.00 CDN). Similarly, to assist Mr. Alex Griffith with transportation costs I have personally taken the decision today to donate G$72,000.00 (400.00 CDN).
Yours faithfully, Selwyn A. Pieters,
B.A., LL.B., L.E.C.
Lawyer & Notary Public