Dear Editor,
I refer to Mr Bisram’s letter titled, “There must be serious consequences for public figures who prey on the vulnerable” (SN June 21st). Just two quotes:
1) “In other countries, the (White) developed ones in particular, public officials were (are) brought to account for transgressions especially those that can be described as ‘criminal’ in nature like sexual violations or financial corruption.
2) “In Guyana, hardly anyone is known to be held accountable even when incontrovertible evidence exists that they abused their office. Public pressure is very weak to hold officials accountable; officials have been known to ignore the public”
The above quotes speak for themselves. Bisram’s letter, together with scores of similar letters from the public, are really expressions of lack of confidence in President Ali’s government, namely, that it will ensure that justice is delivered in this case. A Minister has been accused of rape of a teenaged Amerindian girl. Will there be a proper investigation? Will charges be laid? Would the courts deliver impartial justice?
President Ali’s statement thus far on this matter clearly shows he does not comprehend the gravity of an accusation of rape against a Minister in his Cabinet. I would urge him to make a public statement on this matter. Show that you as president will put an end to the old system and begin a new era where there is only one standard of justice. Not one kind for folks of Ministerial rank and another for the common folk.
I would like to conclude this letter by retelling the Earl Butz story. Earl Butz was the Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture (same as Minister) in the Reagan Administration (1980–1988). Butz had mocked the Pope (head of the Catholic Church) saying; “He na playa the game, he na mekka the rules”. It was seen as an outrage in American society and by millions of Catholics worldwide. Scores of thousands of telegrams were dispatched to the White House; newspaper editorials from thousands of daily newspapers from all across the United States – all called for the sacking of Earl Butz.
President Reagan pooh-poohed for a day or two – and then gave in to public pressure. On or around the 5th day, Reagan called Earl Butz and asked him to send in his resignation. Butz was not accused of committing a crime. He committed an act of outrage, he assaulted the sensibilities of millions of people, not only Catholics. Ambassador Charrandass telling that Indian lady what to do with her dogs was an outrage many times worse than Butz’s. How differently these two events played out – Gov’t of USA responded to public pressure; Gov’t of Guyana does not. Today hundreds of people on the streets of Georgetown are calling for Dharamlall’s sacking. Will President Ali’s gov’t bow to public pressure – or get defined by this event?
Sincerely,
Mike Persaud