Dear Editor,
There are fundamental flaws in the views expressed at a recent PNCR press conference by Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul, and that appeared in the Stabroek News as an article titled, “Police force has become a national security risk – Mahipaul”. Given the company that Mr. Mahipaul has kept, and the positions that he and his political brethren brazenly assumed in relation to the last General and Regional Elections, it is no surprise that transparency, truthfulness, decency and a clear understanding of how things really should be in a normal society, would not be part of his thought processes. Lest we forget, this gentleman comfortably operated in a vortex of deception and misinformation to the public – perpetrated by a number of coalition desperados.
It seems as though the ease of misrepresentation that held the nation in embarrassing suspense for five agonizing months has permanently rubbed off on Mr. Mahipaul in a manner that has emboldened him to pronounce definitively on issues that he is clearly unfamiliar with. His assessment of the current state of the Guyana Police Force – suggesting that it has devolved into a national security risk under the governance of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic – is, as I have suggested, fundamentally flawed. He has not familiarized himself with the clearly defined workings of the Force – particularly its methods of internal investigation. There is also a reckless pursuit for answers to issues that he should know are outside the scope of such (internal) probes, that are being dealt with by the appropriate entity (the courts). To say that the police force has been compromised by criminal activities at high levels is something he should be asked to provide details for, and not be allowed to wax lyrical about in the absence of hard evidence.
“Top officers are allegedly involved in various crimes.” How can you be taken seriously, Mr. Mahipaul? If you have proof, don’t hide behind the term “allegedly”, it is deceitful to do so. The MP also speaks of high-ranking officers “reportedly serving as a source for tip-offs and cover-ups that benefit criminals”. Reportedly? How can Mr. Mahipaul be so disingenuous to assert that the government is failing to address these issues, and that both local and foreign security agencies are now hesitant to collaborate with the Force? What yardstick has he used to determine that public trust in the police force has reached an all-time low? Contrary to his beliefs, the PPP government knows that the Guyana Police Force is certainly not failing the people of Guyana; its head has frontally spoken to the Force’s hierarchy about any perceived inadequacies and has demanded that they be addressed. President Irfaan Ali is not one to suffer fools gladly. Any shortcomings are highlighted by him, and the results have been evident. There is no disorder as in years past.
Mahipaul also warns of the current trajectory leading to Guyana being blacklisted for financial crimes thus affecting the nation’s economy. If he is referring to the charges that have been brought against Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, it would be apt for him to note that the judicial system has been allowed to operate without hindrance – as cannot be said for the periods that Mr. Mahipaul’s party was in power. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in particular has unequivocally stated “Let the chips fall where they may”. Mr. Brutus is being afforded due process, and there is clarity that neither the government nor the police force is interfering. In closing, it is hilarious to hear Mr. Mahipaul’s vision for the future that “As the next government, we are confident we will transform the Guyana Police Force into a professional, well-trained, and highly motivated entity in service of the people.” Mr. MP, that transformation has occurred right before your eyes; it happened at breakneck speed. Maybe because you feel so safe and secure in the midst of it all, you just can’t see the forest for the trees.
Sincerely
Rolan Allen
