Dear Editor,

The life of another son of the soil has been lost due to activities of a criminal nature. This time the life which is lost is that of another member of our law enforcement sector. And, to the extent that this event leaves a gap in the wall which stems the tide of criminal lawlessnes, to that extent it leaves the entire society in a state of heightened vulnerability.

Leon Fraser was by nature a warrior. He reveled in the heat of the hunt for men. He triumphed in the toppling of those whom he perceived as being the trophies. His methods were those of the fighter and in many instances, he showed little if any regard for adherence to rules of engagement. Thank God that he chose to be a member of the GPF.

The fact that to him at least membership of the Guyana Police Force was a medium through which he was able to solace his personal fires, did not in anyway detract from the purpose which his presence served in the wider society, particularly amongst the scions of criminality. And it is in this context that his absence will impact most forcefully upon the institution of which he was a member, as well as upon the entire fabric of the society.

Unfortunately, the flamboyance of Leon Fraser found it difficult to correlate the role of leader with that of team player, preferring at all times to be out front and far ahead. There can be no lone rangers in these times.

Maybe his failure to grasp and operationalise that reality is what was ultimately responsible for his demise in somewhat strange circumstances. He will be missed.

The desire to immortalise his memory may come naturally to some. But in this as in so many other things a sense of balance and proportion must be maintained.

After we should have named streets for the likes of the late Walter Rodney, Celeste Dolphin and others of national stature then and only then might it be reasonable to think about naming streets after persons like the late superintendent.

Meanwhile, a police facility could amply serve the purpose of commemorating his contribution.