Dear Editor,
Dr David Hinds commented, “President David Granger’s recent plea for patience and suggestion that they have not yet accumulated the evidence needed for prosecution makes some sense. But, politically it puts a damper on the expectations of Government supporters.”
The above is an excerpt from a news item published in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News. Dr Hinds is also reported in that news article to have said that the lack of prosecution of alleged wrongdoers under the previous government could negatively impact APNU/AFC’s success in upcoming local government elections.
Is Dr Hinds suggesting that thorough investigations, fairness, honesty and due process must be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency? Is he suggesting that persons should be charged even without sufficient evidence so as to satisfy the expectations of supporters and to influence the results of local government elections?
Let me make it clear. I am of the view that persons against whom there is a preponderance of evidence of corruption should be charged and have their day in court. David Granger, prior to becoming president, had said that a government led by him would not embark on a witch hunt and he is apparently keeping his promise. He obviously wants to avoid any criticisms about witch hunting by ensuring that when someone is charged there is enough evidence to win a conviction, rather than have cases thrown out for lack of evidence which would then serve as testimony to witch hunting.
APNU+AFC is not merely a coalition; it is the Government of Guyana and must act with the sense of responsibility, fairness and commitment to due process that is required of a government. While pursuing investigations and commissions of enquiry the government should also set up a truth and reconciliation commission that would bring to light many of the wrongdoings of the previous administration, while at the same time providing amnesty and giving some of the wrongdoers an opportunity to atone.
Ours is a small society rife with factionalism and fractionalism based largely on race and political affiliation, and with the flawed thinking of many of our politicians that s/he who is not for me is against me.
The APNU+AFC government has a great opportunity to work towards engendering social cohesion and racial harmony, if not unity. It must not squander this opportunity.
Yours faithfully,
Wesley Kirton
