|
Letters to the Editor An independent inquiry into the Police Force is desirable Dear Sir, That Linden London aka Blackie was engaged in criminal activities seems to be beyond doubt. All the available evidence appears to be pointing in that direction. Criminal activity of any sort should be condemned by all decent-minded Guyanese. Whether it is a petty crime or a serious crime; whether it is committed by poor, disadvantaged people or by those who are rich and politically connected; be they corrupt Parliamentarian or otherwise, there should be total condemnation and appropriate action. Justice must prevail in a manner that would engender respect, support, and most of all, confidence in our judicial system. However, when segments of the society by-pass the judicial system and officially condone and publicly express support for actions that are clearly illegal in the name of justice, then we can only surmise that our society has plunged further into the abyss of barbarism. The statements emanating from government officials and the ruling party headquarters on the demise of Linden London clearly bear testimony. Policemen giving high-fives and showing euphoria after cutting him down in a hail of, God knows how many, bullets while he had surrendered with his hand behind his head is nothing short of cowardice and speaks volumes about the character of our people in uniform. No one can argue that capturing London alive would have put a much larger dent on criminal activity in Guyana. After all, there is reason to believe that several members of his gang are still out there, some known and some unknown. Also, it was an opportunity to find out the source of all the guns and ammunition and needless to say, the location of all the supposedly millions of dollars that he was responsible for stealing. The police action is now leading to all kinds of speculation about the still missing money and the source of the weapons. Even some law officers are now being dragged into the speculation. Mr Editor, a number of persons have been killed in this country by gun crazed maniacs in the police force with the tacit support from some quarters. This can only lead one to infer that there is a "shoot to kill" policy by those responsible for maintaining law and order in Guyana. The courts have a role to play in dealing with those who break the law and they must be allowed to play that role. Do you remember Bourne, Hescott and of course the most recent incident in Campbellville? Since when is a person killed for stealing a water pump anyway? And what about those who steal millions of dollars from the nation's coffers through corrupt transactions? Is there a penalty for them? There are some who would say that these are unfounded allegations. But is not the Campbellville incident an allegation that was not given the opportunity to be proven? Those of us who are familiar with the events in Northern Ireland would remember the allegations of unlawful killings made against the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The society was descending into anarchy. An independent inquiry was held by a police officer who found the RUC culpable. It caused a large-scale shake-up in that force. The time has come for an independent investigation to be mounted on the actions of the Guyana Police Force and in particular certain sections and members. We cannot allow this country to be controlled by criminals. But we must also likewise not allow black clothes "death squads" who are in the main semi literate to take charge. It obviously makes a mockery of the civil administration. Finally, extra-judicial killings may not deter criminals. The criminals will probably begin with the assumption that engagement in illegal activities is equivalent to a death sentence and will ensure that they properly fortify themselves for the ultimate encounter. Perhaps you should ask those who bring guns in containers to give an insight into the psyche of their clients. What about strengthening the prison system, the legal framework if there are weaknesses, the police force for crime detection and prevention. Are these all zero options? And what about looking at the socio-economic problems that prevail in the country and the sense of hopelessness that has engulfed some sections of the society? The escalation of crime is sometimes a manifestation of a deeper problem within a society.
Yours faithfully, A great disservice to our country THE officers and ranks of the Police Force must be congratulated by all law-abiding citizens for their war on crime which is daily gaining more success and momentum. It is obvious that a lot of quiet professional investigative work has been and undoubtedly is still continuing resulting is the apprehension of several criminals, most noticeably recently being that of Linden London known as `Blackie'. The several violent robberies and the murders committed by this deadly criminal and his gang are daily being disclosed and if he was not apprehended by brilliant detective work resulting in his being tracked with the co-operation of law-abiding citizens, we have to shudder to think how many more murders and violent crimes would have been committed in the coming weeks and months by this gang leader. It is distressing to law-abiding citizens to see certain prominent trade unionists and politicians in the misguided crowd paying homage and tribute to this criminal and it has sent a very bad message here and abroad. It is a great disservice to our country and people and a disgrace. Let us support the efforts of our Police Force who with the assistance of the Army help to check criminal activities in the society and make our country safer for one and all. JOHN DASILVA Use of flag to wrap coffin unforgivable Dear Sir, I felt a great relief when I got online yesterday and read that Linden London AKA Blackie was finally put to rest, however I was somewhat distraught that he was placed at the Square of the Revolution for public viewing and that Guyanese would flock in groves to get a glimpse of this infamous man. Another action which I was deeply saddened at was the use of the Guyana flag to wrap the notorious man's wooden coffin. The flag of Guyana represents all that we have and what we stand for, are we sending a message to our younger generation that it's good to be bad.
Yours faithfully,
Mind-boggling fiasco I THOUGHT I would let the dust settle somewhat before I expressed my thoughts on the mind-boggling `Blackie' fiasco. Much fuss is being made of the fact that London allegedly emerged from his warren with his hands in the air and was then cut down by gunfire. A number of matters need to be considered and I think they are being overlooked by those focused on the grinding of their axes. First, was `Blackie' emerging as a result of a negotiated surrender or was he forced to emerge from the burning building, with his clothes on fire, or facing the prospects of being bar-b-cued, if he remained inside? Assuming that `Blackie' did emerge with his hands in the air, were the Police not entitled to take his past inimical conduct when they tried to effect his arrest into consideration? He is known to have hurled a grenade at Police trying to arrest him and to have fired indiscriminately in similar circumstances, not caring for the safety of civilians nearby. The bottom line of it all is whether `Blackie' could have been trusted by the Police. If it was that the Police officers present felt that it was a calculated risk to allow him to emerge unscathed, well knowing that he had already wounded three members of the Joint Forces and that one or any number of them could be hurt or killed by what they perceived as a deceptive surrender, then those who fired at `Blackie' were justified in doing so. And now for the funeral. This momentous event, disgusting at it was, teaches several lessons. The government has no one to blame but itself for the defiance shown in taking the dead body of this brutal and notorious thug to the monument of Cuffy. The government did nothing to prevent a radical group of race conscious Afro-Guyanese from cleaning up the monument site last year. Their endeavour was a marked attempt to lay claim to the site for `black people' as one leader of the group said openly on a mid-afternoon TV show. The tacit permission and acquiescence by the government while this exercise went on was a weak response. Little wonder that a group of Indo-Guyanese assembling at the monument site last year to march to the cemetery to honour sugar workers, were chased away by defiant Afro-Guyanese who proudly proclaimed that "Dis place is not for coolie people". Guyanese must face up to the reality of underlying currents of racial animosity which affect the relations of our major race groups. The body of the criminal `Blackie' was taken before Cuffy because Cuffy is our national hero. Mourners wore `Blackie the Hero T-shirts'. Cuffy had a fighting spirit, so did `Blackie' but Cuffy was fighting the indignity of slavery. `Blackie's' fights were calculated to rob, pillage and murder and mutilate, brutalise or kill innocent people. We should not be surprised at the massive crowd which turned out for `Blackie's' funeral. As the Sunday Stabroek Editor, in a rather judgmental editorial (20-02-2000, Stabroek News) pointed out, the crowds were reacting to the perception of extra-judicial killing. That may be so, but there is another dimension which is downplayed. The crowd was a predominantly black crowd identifying with the death of a black man, whose notorious antecedents were not taken to Cuffy Square. The turnout was a manifestation of the underlying racial currents affecting our society and reflects the entrenched nature of our racial polarisation. Our political leaders must not push their heads in the sand on this issue, but must face up to it. Desmond Hoyte did. He would not pass up an opportunity to wave and smile to such a large crowd. After all, privately he has to convince those with whom he has a domestic quarrel over party leadership in his political household, that he is still a popular leader. Hoyte explains that his presence at the funeral was to support a protest at extra-judicial killings. What short memory does Hoyte perceive right-thinking Guyanese have? Ohene Koama, Edward Dublin, Walter Rodney, Vincent Teekah were all extra-judicial killings during the oppressive and dictatorial PNC governments of which Hoyte was a part. Maybe he can remind the Guyanese public about any high moral stand he might have taken on these matters. None comes readily to mind. Hoyte by his attendance and silence at this funeral must be seen to support the disgusting irreverence shown to a national symbol, the flag of Guyana, used to drape the coffin carrying the remains of the miscreant `Blackie', who while he lived traumatised and drove fear into sections of our society. Those decent-minded members of the PNC who share the disgust of this writer should condemn Hoyte's attendance at `Blackie's' funeral. A man of Hoyte's stature does not need to attend the funeral of a slain criminal to make an impact with a statement on his perception of extra-judicial killings. The use of the media would have been more effective and would not have earned him the condemnation of a wide cross section of the community, but it is in the nature of Desmond Hoyte to identify with worthless causes. BHAJAN BHAJU Ashamed on reading reports of funeral Dear Editor, It was with a tremendous sense of shame and sadness that I read the online edition of your paper (2/17/00). The events surrounding the funeral of Mr Linden London demonstrate the level of degeneracy to which some amongst us have sunk, and the appearance of the PNC leader at this unfortunate gathering serves only to accentuate the fact that this gentleman has now become a sad parody of his former self. I was initially amused at reading the several opinions on the relative merits of the police/army actions on the day Mr London met his demise but this abruptly changed to anguish upon reading of the events preceding this criminal's interment since it served to demonstrate that there is a wide cross section of persons who, at their core, could not care less about the national psyche and challenge the basic tenets of societal decency. Let me also say that although I fully support the slaying of this criminal I hold no brief for our police force and still believe this is a rag tag organisation which needs total overhaul. And, although I understand it may be in poor taste coming at this time I must again call for the resignation of the police commissioner since I believe this gentleman has no concept of modern policing neither can he maximise the meagre resources he presently has. I believe the whereabouts of Linden London was determined more through serendipity than brilliant police work and in extending our kudos in this specific instance we must not forget that the performance of our police generally is desultory.
Yours faithfully,
Violent offenders should receive a fair trial Dear Sir, The GBC's six o'clock news yesterday morning (19.2.2000) quoted His Excellency the President as saying two things. It reported him as saying that the negotiations with London, known as 'Blackie', were unauthorised. Secondly, it quoted him as saying that the police acted correctly in shooting the wanted man. This wanted man had left the building in surrender style. Yesterday morning too Stabroek News reported Dr Luncheon as saying on Friday last, "the instructions given and the means that were applied by the joint services involved left questions about Mr London coming out alive." Dr Luncheon in other comments seemed to treat the confrontation as a "war." It is just as well that the President has spoken. As one who early called for the new President to be given a chance, I cannot now remain silent. Under the terms of the Defence Act, and the sense of war in the mind of the Defence Board, the army officer who seemed to take it upon himself to negotiate a surrender could be seen as "aiding the enemy." If the President and Dr Luncheon are correct this officer can face a court martial. While the President talks of "unauthorised negotiations" his man Dr Luncheon talks of "instructions." Are they telling us that the instructions and the authorisation must come from the Defence Board? Section 9 of the Defence Act says that the responsibility of the Defence Board "shall not extend to the operational use of the force." For this a Chief of Staff is provided. The Eccles affair was an operation. The section also provides for general or special directions of the Minister" who in this case is the President. Did the President give general or special directions, and if so, did he give them before, or after the event? I say at once that I hold no brief for violent offenders, regardless of what drove them to that extreme. They are often merciless when killing, raping or ravaging. The only brief I hold is that they should receive a fair trial. Though not charged with violent crime, the present Minister of Home Affairs has had his reputation established by means of a fair trial. So has Arnold Rampersaud, Rodney, Roopnaraine and Omawale. In some cases they travelled and came back to face their political trials. They did not trust the courts but trusted the court process to some extent. Why deny a fair trial to one who, after over-rating his powers for a period, repented, to the extent that he was prepared to surrender and face trial. Have we not all heard of hijackers who hold forces at bay for days, and then give up and are taken into custody? Are we in this small country more macho than any other country? And are the authorities, like the misled offender, also dreaming dreams of military glory, instead of striving to impose an example of justice? The implications of President Jagdeo's statement go beyond the present issue. They raise issues for the new constitution, but that can wait.
Yours faithfully,
I have taken down the Golden Arrowhead THE President must be commended for reminding Guyanese in his Republic Day message about "integrity...honest dealings...illicit drugs and guns and those who plunder others". I would add vulgarity and disrespect if they were not included in his remarks. In Guyana, it's a time to glorify our culture and heroes and celebrate our history. Instead, I read of the glorification of crime evidenced by the large crowd (young and old) last week mourning the passing of a criminal. "Blackie is my hero" slogan, desecration of our flag, and a former President (Desmond Hoyte) by his association countenanced the disrespect to the flag and the national monument. Last year I read of public servants stripping on the streets to prevent arrest. I believe that at this time Cuffy and our past great leaders are looking at us with pity and praying for our cleansing. I recall the `Cuffy' of 1959. Clement Cuffy's father took the honourable stand to refuse the body of his son, who had to be buried in an unmarked grave by the state. In contrast, `Blackie' was proclaimed as a hero and was accorded a hero's farewell, the size of which makes Dr Leslie Mootoo's funeral a miniscule affair. Was it that Clement's family was the kind of Guyanese with integrity and decency and these qualities are lacking in Guyana today? I have a few concerns. How many more `Blackies' are there? The morale of the Police has been affected and all other `Blackies' are celebrating. They too can have their coffins draped in the Guyana colours. Why blame the Police for `Blackie's' death? He could have strapped himself with grenades, and upon arrest, kill a few Police. Remember Rajiv Gandhi died in similar circumstances. If `Blackie' was a Robin Hood who are the people holding his loot? He and his gang were in hiding for a long time. They could not have spent $150M in two years with no freedom to do so. I am looking forward to know how much some mourners got. I read in one newspaper that `Blackie' had a five-month-old son. Therefore someone knew where he was 14 months ago at a time he was wanted. Is this deserving of some investigations? How long does it take? As a senior lawyer and a former President, Desmond Hoyte should know a better way to protest "extra-judicial killings". I am a Guyanese who left Guyana because of crime. I was a victim who survived. I left Guyana a long time ago but I am still Guyanese. I always say that a country is like a mother - you cannot have two. But with a former President associating with the glorification of criminals, I may have to stay with my adopted country. I have taken down the Golden Arrowhead that fluttered in my hibiscus plant pot. For me, it has been desecrated by "honourable" men in full view of the security forces and it does not carry the same message any more. I will wait and if time and events cannot restore the sanctity of the flag, I will have to bring myself to plant instead a Maple Leaf, the Canadian flag. R.D MISSISSAUGA CANADA 'Blackie' should not be portrayed as a role model Dear Editor, The 11-hour, movie-style standoff between 'Blackie' and the police has so captured the admiration of much of the Guyanese public that many still do not believe that 'Blackie' is actually dead. In the aftermath, we see various arms of the media focusing on the police's role in bringing about 'Blackie's' demise. Many cry foul at the police, claiming that Blackie was denied the right of a trial. But have we stopped to consider who 'Blackie' was and why he came to such a tragic end? Death because of its finality has a strange way of clouding the issues. It's for this same reason that at funerals one never hears anything bad about the dead person. But at this time in our nation it's too costly to romanticise 'Blackie'. There are hordes of strong, black youth who are angry because their country offers them hardly any opportunity to see their dreams come true. Their future looks bleak and crime seems the only way out. To make Blackie into a hero is to provide them with exactly the kind of role model that will launch them into a life of crime. As much as we need to denounce police brutality, we must not do that without teaching the important lessons that need to be learnt from a life like 'Blackie's'. Lessons like: whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap; if you live by the sword, you'll die by it; the way of the transgressor is hard and so on. Let's ensure that while we sympathise with the bereaved family, we do not get so carried away with emotion that we lose God's focus on this issue.
Yours faithfully,
Where do we go from here? DESMOND Hoyte attending the funeral of a dangerous criminal? My God, even if many of us want to return to Guyana to visit or even reside, what kind of message is being portrayed there? We pray for the success of our beloved country but where do we go from here? Shock is not the word to describe that photo splashed across the newspaper. Then there is criticism from the Straboek News as to the method employed by the Police to get rid of this menace. I try to explain that situation to my children who were both born in the U.S. and cannot find the right words to tell them that a criminal who has targeted citizens for many years, is finally killed by the Police and is given something similar to a State funeral! Only in Guyana. ROOPLALL SEEPERSAUD What message are they sending to our children? Dear Sir, It seems that a particular sector of people idolised the late criminal, Linden London, as a national hero. How can a very dangerous criminal become a hero? He was not a freedom fighter, and not even a `Robin Hood'! I can't think of any logical explanation for such behaviour. Those people are sending the wrong message to our youths. For the misguided ones, `Blackie' would become their role model. Instead of playing the game `cowboys and Indians', they would be playing `Blackie and police'. And some may even want to become `Blackie' when they grow older. In their minds, they will become rich and famous, and die heroes. "Oh people of Guyana please restrain yourselves, and don't mislead thy children." They are our most precious natural resource, and we are depending on them to develop our beautiful country.
Yours faithfully,
We must teach our children to stay away from crime Dear Sir, After I read many letters, I am astonished at some writers who claim the late wanted man, Linden London, called `Blackie' as a hero. No law-abiding person should condone the atrocious crimes that were committed. I suppose my brother Ras Dalgety has sprung from the Black race like `Blackie' and I. Remember, we are descendants of slaves. This month of February is commemorated in North America as `Black history month'. We are South Americans. This month of February, we are also commemorating 190 years of congregationalism in Guyana. The birth of this local church has its origin in the arrival of Reverend John Wray on February 6, 1908. It is wisdom to let us organise our Black people to join in this celebration on Saturday 26th February at 8:00 a.m. at a church service... Pilgrimage at the tomb of the Dutch planter, Hermanus Post at Le Resouvenir, by the brick chimney on the East Coast, Demerara then a procession from there to ZOAR Congregational Church at Plaisance for service and entertainment in the afternoon; including a cultural show and competition. It will be wise for organisers of the Black race out there to let our people participate in these activities. We should at all times cause our people to refrain from criminal activities and corruption. It is noted that there are some politicians who condone wrong activities in the cause of `vote-catching'! This is a wrong concept. Let us impress upon the minds of our people that we are Black for the American Black history month and congregationalism in Guyana today, that we are beautiful, strong, living for better culture, music, art, and dance with inspiration to fly at great heights; teaching our children where to set their sights, away from crime and corruption, remembering our slavish past, while moving toward our goal: Galatians, chapter 5, verse 1 says:- "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free; and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Sir, I join with our many law-abiding Guyanese to congratulate Mr Laurie Lewis, Commissioner of Police, Major General Joe Singh of the Guyana Defence Force and the other ranks for their fine job.
Yours faithfully,
Clean up the bad apples I AM very saddened that some people saw it fit to be at the funeral of that notorious bandit, including our former head of state Mr Hoyte. Forbes Burnham must have turned in his grave at this kind of behaviour. 'Blackie's' disregard for the law was evident and his criminal rampage spared no one either by race or religion. Congratulations to the law enforcement agencies for a job well done. Clean up the bad apples to make way for the good ones. A.C.N I am against the police executing anyone but we need a balanced approach Dear Sir, My letter (31/1/2000) captioned "McDonald had a criminal background" has put me to the sword of many Guyanese, including a television broadcaster and a playwright. The former used his morning programme for this purpose, but the latter was luckier as he addressed me on my way home expressing his anger by statements such as "you supporting police to shoot down black people, it seems as though you have a bitterness in you". He went on to say, he was going to respond to me soon. I could not bear the agony of waiting. I first wish to inform the gentleman that evil has no barrier nor bounds and I am not a friend of it in whatever form. If the police misuse their authority I do not hesitate to condemn their actions, but the bitterness that I am accused of harbouring is an assumption, and probably belongs to the accuser. If by chance Mr Braithwaite had not been governed by emotion, he would have noticed that I did not compliment the police for their actions, but stressed the usual pattern of some individuals in our society who do not see the police as acting in the interest of the society at large, and who should be disciplined when they misuse the authority they are entrusted with. I am totally against the shooting of anyone unjustifiably, not only black people. There are many of us who are enemies to partiality, as we exercise same in our very homes, and as such we are unable to cope with partiality when dealing with situations that warrant our judgment. We live in a society where the innocent get little or no attention, but the aggressor is revered and receives ovations for the aggressive and tempestuous behaviour demonstrated, regardless of ethnicity. What amazes me is that every policeman is blamed for the actions of others. This is unfair as many of us have relatives in the force, who are not guilty of such behaviour and should not be stigmatised. Are we helping to fight crime, or fighting to help crime? All of us should be involved in the former. It is interesting how many people condemn corruption but I wonder if an opportunity arises how many of them are prepared to crush it. Although some believe that one's environment is responsible for one's behaviour there are many outstanding personalities who have emerged from communities that are poverty stricken and downtrodden. It is the role models that are responsible for the individuals behaviour and whether they become moral or immoral. It is necessary that we monitor our kids behaviour so we can recognise at an early stage their weaknesses that we may be able to advise and correct them accordingly. I shall continue to see evil as such and address it in like manner, instead of allowing my emotions to precede my best judgment, which I find prevalent in our society. Let us not make Paul pay for all, because this is most unfair under any circumstances. Many of our children may one day be members of the Guyana Police Force and we would not like them to be ridiculed and be treated as aliens, because of that profession. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Let our criticism be meaningful and constructive so we remedy our faults and errors. I do not support the police in any wrongdoing, but will not condemn them for the pleasure of condemnation, because they are humans and are deserving of praise when they do well.
Yours faithfully, Crime must be rigourously challenged THE demise of the long sought after, allegedly notorious criminal, robber and murderer, Linden London, has prompted a sea of trouble and simultaneously great satisfaction for differing reasons to different people. It has now been crystallised that many in our society, both the higher and lower bracket, condone, encourage and benefit from criminal activities, for how can anyone be fair-minded and denounce the action that minimises the threat and fear of our people in this instance? Whether Linden London was black, brown, white, yellow, etc., has nothing to do with the way he met his death and those wildly insinuating race as a factor that culminated in his end are irrational, misleading and obviously care less about our terrifying criminal situation and the impact such irresponsible pronouncements will engender. Those who live by the sword die by it. There are several cases of wrongful extra-judicial execution of criminals and innocents alike, but the Police and Army must be exonerated from any culpability in this particular case considering the overall circumstances like the number of years London was wanted; the numerous crimes he allegedly committed; the abundance and sophisticated armoury he was known to carry; the length of time and amount of ammunition he expended thwarting and fending off his captivity, the effects of his criminal activities on our social and economic progress etc. It has to be weird for anyone to remotely suggest and expect that a `surrender' could have been acknowledged, understood and/or honoured - a situation alien to Guyana's Police and Army and somewhat unrealistic under the fearful, frustrating - though a prized achievement - and how could anyone believe it was London alone that was involved in such a long army-like standoff and exchange? The entire episode supports more than one person hence avoiding a trap to save lives. There are many in our society who would support similar elimination of many more criminals and those defending criminals for racial, political and economic reasons are very few and must be ignored. Their support is mostly political than moral. Crime is definitely a major stumbling block to our development and must be rigorously challenged in any form. Why should anyone sympathise with those who have no sympathy for their victims, but are ruthless robbers and murders? Yes, we need exterminators. Unlawful action may deserve unlawful reaction when necessary. Shame on those who make a hero of a criminal. M. SOOKRAJ
Guyanese should be taught about the importance of national symbols like the flag Dear Sir, I don't always agree with the views expressed by my friend and colleague, Sharief Khan, in his Sunday Column, Khan's Chronicles. However, I fully agree with most of the sentiments in his column of Sunday February 20, 2000, except for the last paragraph. I think the person or persons who draped the national flag across Blackie's casket did not know the implications of such a move. Grief can cause people to do or say things which they later regret. I think the media should devote some space to inform Guyanese about the importance of national symbols and how they must be treated. Many persons do not know. For example, many patrons remain seated when the national anthem is played in the cinema. Political affiliations have nothing to do with respect for symbols of nationhood - the national flag, the national anthem, the national pledge, the coat of arms, the national bird and the national flower. Several things have occurred as a result of the Blackie fiasco: - The further division of this nation along lines unanticipated by the various leaders in our society. These lines include morality, respect for law and order, and respect/regard for the Guyana Police Force. - Poor media/public relations by the Guyana Police Force resulting in a hero-like status being conferred on a wanted man. - Commonsense being sacrificed on the altar of sentiment and ignoring of the real issues. - A haste to get political mileage out of what should have been a simple police matter. - The exposing of the love-hate relationship between the police and certain media operatives. - The discomfort experienced by senior police officers in the face of probing questions by the media; and the poor ability of several police to deal with searching questions. - The lack of awareness of the role of the journalist in informing the nation about events. - The lack of respect by some police officers for the intellectual capacity and the professionalism of the senior journalists in this country. - The fact that one man can keep so many of our peace-keepers at bay for so long suggests that policemen/women need more training in urban confrontation. In this country where almost everything ends up getting a racial or political stain, the Guyana Police Force has to be careful that there is no recurrence. I feel that the Guyana Police Force needs to employ experienced public relations personnel to deal with the media. Mr Ivelaw Whittaker in spite of his best efforts is a police officer first and a Public Relations Officer last. I am, therefore, suggesting than the public relations component on the curriculum of the police training school should be expanded. I am sure that there are many public relations specialists who would be willing to volunteer their services to the Guyana Police Force. A good PRO would help to minimise the incidence of intemperate utterings similar to those at the recent police press conference.
Yours faithfully,
An independent inquiry into the Police Force is desirable Dear Sir, That Linden London aka Blackie was engaged in criminal activities seems to be beyond doubt. All the available evidence appears to be pointing in that direction. Criminal activity of any sort should be condemned by all decent-minded Guyanese. Whether it is a petty crime or a serious crime; whether it is committed by poor, disadvantaged people or by those who are rich and politically connected; be they corrupt Parliamentarian or otherwise, there should be total condemnation and appropriate action. Justice must prevail in a manner that would engender respect, support, and most of all, confidence in our judicial system. However, when segments of the society by-pass the judicial system and officially condone and publicly express support for actions that are clearly illegal in the name of justice, then we can only surmise that our society has plunged further into the abyss of barbarism. The statements emanating from government officials and the ruling party headquarters on the demise of Linden London clearly bear testimony. Policemen giving high-fives and showing euphoria after cutting him down in a hail of, God knows how many, bullets while he had surrendered with his hand behind his head is nothing short of cowardice and speaks volumes about the character of our people in uniform. No one can argue that capturing London alive would have put a much larger dent on criminal activity in Guyana. After all, there is reason to believe that several members of his gang are still out there, some known and some unknown. Also, it was an opportunity to find out the source of all the guns and ammunition and needless to say, the location of all the supposedly millions of dollars that he was responsible for stealing. The police action is now leading to all kinds of speculation about the still missing money and the source of the weapons. Even some law officers are now being dragged into the speculation. Mr Editor, a number of persons have been killed in this country by gun crazed maniacs in the police force with the tacit support from some quarters. This can only lead one to infer that there is a "shoot to kill" policy by those responsible for maintaining law and order in Guyana. The courts have a role to play in dealing with those who break the law and they must be allowed to play that role. Do you remember Bourne, Hescott and of course the most recent incident in Campbellville? Since when is a person killed for stealing a water pump anyway? And what about those who steal millions of dollars from the nation's coffers through corrupt transactions? Is there a penalty for them? There are some who would say that these are unfounded allegations. But is not the Campbellville incident an allegation that was not given the opportunity to be proven? Those of us who are familiar with the events in Northern Ireland would remember the allegations of unlawful killings made against the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The society was descending into anarchy. An independent inquiry was held by a police officer who found the RUC culpable. It caused a large-scale shake-up in that force. The time has come for an independent investigation to be mounted on the actions of the Guyana Police Force and in particular certain sections and members. We cannot allow this country to be controlled by criminals. But we must also likewise not allow black clothes "death squads" who are in the main semi literate to take charge. It obviously makes a mockery of the civil administration. Finally, extra-judicial killings may not deter criminals. The criminals will probably begin with the assumption that engagement in illegal activities is equivalent to a death sentence and will ensure that they properly fortify themselves for the ultimate encounter. Perhaps you should ask those who bring guns in containers to give an insight into the psyche of their clients. What about strengthening the prison system, the legal framework if there are weaknesses, the police force for crime detection and prevention. Are these all zero options? And what about looking at the socio-economic problems that prevail in the country and the sense of hopelessness that has engulfed some sections of the society? The escalation of crime is sometimes a manifestation of a deeper problem within a society. Yours faithfully, Michael Parris Glorifying criminals is wrong Dear Sir, At the funeral of Linden London his coffin was draped in the national flag of Guyana. This shows the level of depravity of the society. As a former member of the Security Services I am extremely hurt that the national flag was so desecrated. I am sure that other members, both serving and past, are equally outraged by this disrespect for the flag of Guyana. Linden "Blackie" London was a common criminal who preyed on innocent members of the society and got what he deserved. What is the big fuss about? Congratulations to the members of the Security Services who were engaged in the operation to put an end to the activities of this criminal. They have once again shown that they are capable of and willing to deal professionally with anti-social elements. I urge the members of the Security Services not to be worried by ungrateful sections of the society, especially some media houses, who have suddenly become experts in anti-terrorist and similar activities, even as they show how unprofessional they are in the way they go about their chosen profession. It would appear some are bent on glorifying crime and criminal elements in the society.
Yours faithfully,
Guyana is finished if this kind of fame is given to criminals Dear Sir, I have been following the "Blackie" episode over the last few days with mixed feelings of humour and anger. But it was with pure disgust that I watched the funeral on TV. It was a crying shame to see our national flag draped over the coffin of this notorious criminal and moreso, to see Mr Desmond Hoyte in attendance. Guyana is finished if this is the kind of fame and glory being given to criminals these days. It angers me a great deal to see the actions of the armed forces to rid our society of these lesser elements being condemned and criticised at every turn. They are the true heroes here, after all, they put their lives on the line for eleven gruelling hours and Blackie had the same amount of time to surrender that the police had to arrest him. Blackie got exactly what he deserved. We all have a choice in life and if Blackie chose to be a murderer and a thief then he must suffer the consequences as one. The media, Desmond Hoyte and all of Blackie's supporters should direct their passion for justice towards important issues such as the low sentence that was handed down to Budhan or maybe to the stay of execution granted to the four murderers, however temporary it may be, instead of making Blackie into some kind of unsung hero.
Yours faithfully,
Have we thought of the trauma the policemen have gone through? Dear Sir, My friends in a known section of the media continue to see it fit to sensationalise the death of the notorious Linden London. The same Linden London who would, without any thought of the consequences, have created havoc in their homes for the sake of financial gain. I pity them. By no means am I in agreement with the manner in which London met his maker. But as a young man I was taught that if you live by the sword (gun), you die by the sword (gun). London was no different, he reaped what he sowed. But this is just a preamble to the point that I wish to make. Apparently the reality of the psychological strain and well-being of the brave police officers, who every day place their lives on the line to serve and protect has escaped the media as a whole. Not one media entity has seen it fit to place any emphasis on the psychological trauma that officers who were at the scene of the highly traumatising shoot-out at Eccles must have gone through and still going through. I wonder if the media has given any thought (professional and personal) as to what might have been going through the minds of the officers chasing the alleged robbers of the America street melee into the cane fields aback of Mocha, having had grenades and guns thrown or fired at them prior to that incident by the same person that they were chasing. What about the off-duty officer at the scene of the America street robbery. I shudder to imagine the emotional and psychological trauma he must have, and most likely still is, going through. His attempt to prevent the robbery has proven that no police officer is ever really off-duty. And I believe that this officer, like many others, deserves our unstinting praise. Yes, I believe that any officer of the law who is found guilty of an extra-judicial killing should be disciplined. But have the media shown that `Blackie' is a case-in-point? There were about thirteen media cameras at the scene of the Eccles shoot-out. But is there any footage or even one eye-witness who can, with merit, provide proof or circumstance to indicate that indeed Linden London emerged with his hands in the air? I have not seen nor heard any. I would urge the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Home Affairs to have instituted, as part and parcel of the force, a psychological department or force psychologist that would deal with the day-to-day trauma that police officers go through. Neglecting this can result in psychologically unbalanced or emotionally disturbed persons performing as members of the Guyana Police Force. I also urge my friends in the media to adopt a more professional approach to these sensitive issues.
Yours faithfully,
'Blackie's' death should reduce crime spree Dear Sir, So many different opinions have been expressed about the killing of notorious bandit Linden London. I believe the death of this criminal will minimise the sensational crime spree. I congratulate the joint forces for a job well done. This is a typical example that the arm of the law is long. This criminal evaded the police dragnet for some eleven long years. In the end he was defeated. Why did ‘Blackie' wait until he was under severe fire to surrender? Why did he wait so long to indicate that he had many things to say? It was a disgrace to have the casket placed at the Square of the Revolution. Mr Hoyte and others are really getting their priorities mixed up. Draping of the casket with the Guyana flag is another insult to the Guyanese people. These developments are senseless and counter productive.
Yours faithfully, The flag is a symbol of our nationhood Dear Sir, As Guyanese in an independent Guyana, we have pledged "to honour always the flag of Guyana". Given that our flag is a symbol of our nationhood, it is desecrated by any action, inaction, or speech that brings our nation, its underpinning institutions or laws, or its values into disrepute. Thus, our flag is desecrated whenever unjustified extra-judicial killings go uninvestigated and unpunished. It is desecrated each day a member of our parliament is allowed to sit in our august, law-making body, even in the face of court-adjudicated findings that the member conspired with a foreigner to defraud our nation. It is desecrated every time there is deafening-official silence to the cries of citizens who have credibly alleged that they are being harassed as they exercise their constitutional right to attempt to organise other citizens into unions or political parties. In short, it is desecrated each time Guyanese anywhere break any laws, in word or deed, or violate any of our commonly held values. To the Golden Arrowhead, I re-pledge my honour. I'll honour and respect all that it represents. I know it can survive the `desecration' of being stomped on, of being draped on the casket of a criminal, of being burned, of being spat upon. But it cannot survive the constant violation of the things it represents, our nationhood and its underpinning institutions, laws and values. Without these or a respect for them, it ceases to have all meaning.
Yours faithfully, Far too much coverage given to the "Blackie" incident Dear Sir, Allow me, please, to recap the headlines blazed in Stabroek News from 9th February to today, 27th February as somewhat of a minor research exercise. 9th February - "Cops in stand-off with "Blackie" (8 columns with note on p.2": See tomorrow's issue with more on this story)" In contrast 43 lines on the death of Miss Lynette Dolphin, O.R., C.C.H. who for over 60 years gave dedicated service, par excellence, to her country.
10th February - "Blackie DEAD!" (12 pages and over 20 photos).
Please contrast the lavish accounts of `Blackie's' and Rhonda Forde's burial with one photo and l6 lines re the Last Rites of "the 84 year old Dolphin" as the well-known and renowned Miss Dolphin was referred to on p.3 of Stabroek News, l2th February. Newspapers form an integral part in the writing of a nation's history. Thus, when the nation's history of 2000 is written in another 10 or 20 years will the saga of "Blackie" London feature as a key issue while other major issues, both national and international pale into insignificance? Editors of the press and the media have a serious responsibility to the public and to posterity and cannot allow themselves to fall into the trap of sensationalism. Above all, what message has the press passed on to the young and not-so-young generation? Criminal acts and violence win fame and a name in the headlines of the daily press! The criminal is now hero and one could well feel "determined to prove a villain" in order to be immortalised and find a place in "popular folk lore.". How many more headlines will Stabroek News devote to the criminal elements in society? Your editorial note will probably say that people lap up that sort of sensationalism and that a newspaper has to make money. Many of us had hoped that Stabroek News would make a difference by setting higher standards than that.
Yours faithfully,
|