Dear Editor,
The killing of Police Constable Antonio Dawson is a sad and sorry story. I knew both the assailant and the policeman. The latter worked with my detail while a member of the City Police before enlisting in the Guyana Police Force. His killer was recently released from the psychiatric ward of the hospital.
We read about Anthony’s brother, also a policeman, being convicted for shooting a man in the leg in ‘Globe Yard.’ Some feel that with the memory of the trauma of his brother being hauled before the court, Anthony and his buddies may have been reluctant to use effective force.
Last week I called on the Chief Constable and asked him to ensure that all ranks are better trained. I suggest this route to the Commissioner of Police and Minister of National Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan.
Our law officers should know these mentally challenged persons by sight. Second, we must develop among our law officers, the skill to protect themselves and how to disarm hostile or potentially dangerous persons. We cannot afford to lose our young people.
It is not for me to go into any detail; suffice to state that a better programme of intensive training will save lives on both sides of the divide.
My condolences to the Dawson family and the police force fraternity.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green
