Pity our poor police Frankly Speaking........... by A.A. Fenty Stabroek News June 4, 1999 (O.K. I used "our", above, to avoid the now obvious "PPP"). But I hope to be serious, however briefly, with regard to this issue. Let me be brutally frank with you - and myself - as I share these views. Firstly, it is most likely that if, as in a few territories in the world, the law allowed the police to be unionised, they too would have engaged in some form of industrial action for better pay and working conditions. Secondly, probably a majority of the police force are in quiet, private sympathy with those on strike and have wives, husbands, relatives and close associates demonstrating in some manner. Thirdly, there are a minority in the force whose individual and isolated actions could be deemed brutal or corrupt, partial or just incompetent. After all they were drafted from an imperfect society. Fourthly, as the last electoral releases indicated, most of all the military and para-military members voted for the militant People's National Congress (PNC). From the highest cop to certain technicians in the police force, some policemen displayed allegiance and/or professionalism to the former administration. Remember past President Desmond Hoyte boldly referring to the police force as "kith and kin"? Well sure, don't dis Dessie for what is, generally, a truth. And it is against that background that I have to re-iterate and repeat my sentiments with respect to the police force. I say that, replete with all its flaws and faults, and against the background of recent street protests and the current demonstrations and confrontations, the much maligned force is to be commended and rewarded for its performance under virtual daily siege. Every day, the police - including recruits and the inexperienced - submerging their financial needs, empathy with the strikers and political preferences, deal with taunts, harassment and physical attacks whilst trying to enforce law and order. Don't you ever be misled or distracted by calls, coming from the usual quarters, for enquiries into police action or the directed, biased media emphases on real or alleged excesses by members of the force. I repeat: the police have to respond to provocation and the breaking of various laws; and let's support the good police - including the good Tactical Service Unit and the good "Black Clothes" Quick Reaction Squads. Criminals and crooks would love to see these units disbanded. Rather, I say again, pay the police more during or after the strike. They deserve nothing less with their lives on the line. Let others criticise and rant and rave, but reward the fellows who submerge their feelings and serve the state steadfastly. In the name of television I continue to be amazed at what certain anti-government media persons get away with under the guise of being "professional" and advocates of the underdog and "justice". Mind you, I can appreciate the deficiencies and short-comings of most TV "productions". I try to host a week-end television show with the emphasis on issues patriotic, local cultural and educational. I'm aware of the flaws - even mediocrity. But when radio-call-in TV is used and abused to peddle blatant racism and division it makes me want to throw up. I respect the "TV personalities'" right to be partisan and partial to their causes, but it is so easy to experience mis-information, lies and calls to arms and sedition, made and condoned by regular callers on regular TV programmes, it makes one sick. Cheap publicity and popularity among your own, with and through the urban converted, is one thing. But when journalistic charlatans seduce themselves with wicked intent, they abuse the Press Freedom they claim does not exist. And they stoke the fires of racism and discontent, doing damage that can result in no "victory" for them in the long-term. Strike yes, terror, no! Well, like a broken or stuck record, I have to repeat my support in principle for a peaceful strike for increased wages. But like thousands of law-abiding citizens, I cannot support or condone the virtual terror tactics of some strikers, led and directed by certain leaders, politicians and their support staff. Better pay and working conditions are justified. But do you realise that, because it was realised that a normal strike could not succeed, "dirty tricks" advisers exploit the "struggle" by briefing the unions and members on "civil resistance" and destabilisation techniques? Study the tactics if you find time. From "peaceful picketer" signs to vulgar chanting to harassment of the police to the mobilising of supporters with military or police training and skills, the political dimension now subsumes the original industrial nature of the protests. Poor Guyana. Me, back to PNC? Quite apart from the PNC leadership assuring me and the nation, at election time, that all are welcome to join them if they have Guyana at heart, I feel that even I could be back with the PNC in the future. What's that? I must be crazy? Well folks, when I see how Ramon Gaskin and Asgar Ally now find favour with the GPSU, I just know that the politics of expediency can cause the most radical re-alignments. No space here to elaborate, but during my years at the GPSU headquarters location, the vile things I heard spoken about those two fellows - then complete persona non-grata - ruled them out from even entering that union's domain - or so I thought! How things and people change! Compassion? Accommodation? Political expediency or professional/insider expertise needed? But then I once wrote a whole profile/feature about it - admiring the Burnham in Mr Patrick Yarde. Use whatever skills and personalities that are necessary! (Expect me back with the PNC, y'all !) Regrets only 1) In the here-and-now politics any opposition can benefit from nowadays, the young won't appreciate the increases the civic gave in six years - or the wage freezes imposed by past governments. Great for the opposition - and the unions. 2) Will more people - including Afro-Guyanese - now appreciate the 1763 Monument? 3) Can I erect a monument somewhere now - on state land? 4) Which government ever paid forty per cent? 5) Remember when the biggest jet to come to Guyana was the 1989 Budget? 6) "Deep inside the TUC": Coming whenever the strike ends. 7) Three coming crises: (1) Local government elections; (2) After the elections petition; and (3) Dialogue. 8) Even in times of war - you don't attack the Red Cross, Hospitals or the Church. 9) Not in this God-forsaken land, Mr Gates. No Satellite launching developments here. The North-West will be left just as it is for another millennium. 10) Imagine Australia needing to "help" West Indies last Sunday! I was right about Chanderpaul and King. Now watch me win with South Africa! Bets? `till next week!! A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples