The Bandit as Hero
Years ago, I discussed herein the concept of the criminal as role-model [please note: link provided by LOSP web site] and the lawyer as hero. I sought then to highlight the fact that - in the wake of victorious litigation by businessmen accused of a massive (attempted) export of marijuana in a container and many acquittals by lawyers representing known notorious accused - that our youth will turn to dubious and "successful" criminal characters for their role-models and heroes, in the absence of more desirable examples. Then, as now, I reminded that the youth - both working-class and rich - were vulnerable to the wrong-doers. But just before I rebuke those who are holding up a criminal bandit as victim and hero, allow me to contextualise two aspects of the issue. Prisons and penitentiaries are meant to penalise and reform, rehabilitate convicted wrong-doers. The theory is that any wrong-doer can change as he or she pays their debt to society. That is why we, with open minds, must believe that both the cabinet ministers and the activist journalist who were convicted in courts of law, are now normal, useful law-abiding citizens making significant contributions to this society. The other more oblique context is that in the by-gone Burnham years of restricted food items, many ordinary, usually-decent folk were criminalised as they sought certain basic commodities by any means necessary. The laws then made people both perpetrator and victim. Again, youngsters observed their role-models, whether parents or community-leaders, in negative pursuits. For the senior public servant or the drug baron, life was a continuous "hustle". Now, as decency is being re-defined, the youth see and hear contradictions, as not many leaders or opinion-moulders or media activists can claim any moral high-ground. Right now, as I write, the television activists are at it with evil gusto. Sharpening their skills for later political and election-time mischief, Elements of racism, police-bashing and anti-law-and-order sentiments are being stirred in their daily cauldron of conflict. One has even stated publicly that he had been in contact with the wanted bandit Linden London. No thought of assisting the police then, as it is claimed that the police are now the "bad guys". What a world! Do you realise the extent of the national mischief these television activists are creating and getting away with, all on their own? No laws are there to restrain them from their incendiary "journalism", it seems. So, the Information Ministry - and alas, the country - will reap the repercussions of this "freedom of the press". Valentine Day's Stabroek News was frank about London's latter-day lifestyle: "London was a thoroughly dangerous and remorseless criminal who was wanted, according to the police, for two murders and 14 robberies. His reign of terror was defined by the America street robbery and the jeopardy to which he exposed hundreds of Guyanese that morning as he and his band of marauders clinically and ruthlessly ploughed through the city firing wildly and injuring bystanders." What would London's supporters have said if four or five innocent Guyanese had been mowed down that morning? That he was a "victim and product of society"? Why should I embrace a confirmed Bandit as "hero" in preference to the police officers who led by example at the siege of Eccles? Or the soldier who was critically wounded. No matter what the obvious blunders, the usually-silent majority in this country will support our crime-fighters. They will not indict the entire police force for specific excesses, as the TV activists revel in doing daily.
"Let Blackie help you" The speculation goes: "OK; if most policemen are bad, don't call on us; solve your own problem." In other words, let the Blackies and TV activists of this society help you when you are robbed or attacked. The police are fed up with the abuse by some, so let the accusers deal with the well-armed criminal community. Jeez! I trust that never happens. It would be playing right into the hands of the bandits and anarchists. Please police, deal with your accusers within the law but continue to nobly uphold what you are being paid for: "service and protection" of the law-abiding citizens of this land.
From both sides A sampling: where is the money from the violent heists? Did the desperado have surrender in mind with all that weaponry at the guest house? Why was that particular guest house chosen? Did crooked businessmen benefit from the criminal? If any did, does it mean necessarily that their party knew? Did the bandit benefit from army "intelligence"? If the robber ever had a preference for a political party, which was it likely to be? Will the army ever admit that the original objective was "to take the fugitive out"? Is it true that a senior army officer was in the area shortly before the Eccles siege? There are more, but let the truth be told. Cost it what it will. (But contemplate one consideration: the departed accused, the man wanted for the Walter Rodney killing and other fugitives could make any type of allegation. Their facts and revelations must be verifiable!).
The power of the courts Do you realise that because of our respect for intricate, all-pervasive law, our judges determine the fate of our city - vendors prevail; our football - even FIFA is upset; our ability to hang convicted murderers; our employment/dismissal procedures, ET AL? Because of the constitution and the statutes, all power to the powerful judge! Any alternatives? I'm out of my depth. Help me, Brilliant ones.
'Til next Friday 2. Is it popular crowd response which determines the calypso champ, or the criteria given for potential excellence of the song all round? 2b. Poor Ras Marcus. He predicted his early demise from the competition: "Don't sing no song dat would make Guyana strong, don't sing nothing positive, dem judges go put yuh down". 3. Steal this idea for the Millennium year 2001: Create a big costume band depicting all the players in the original 1763 Rebellion in Berbice. (And Bring Back Five Guyanese Greats for A Concert.) 4. Farewell to Mr Carew, Ms Dolphin, Mr J.D. Simmons, Mr Maurice Dundas, Dr Leslie Mootoo - and the Mighty/Lord Kitchener. 5. And for those who actually mourn Linden London, well your creator and his son did remind "...in as much as you did to the least of these my bretheren, you did it to me..." 'TIL NEXT WEEK!
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