Fact: The village of Buxton once known more for its reputation, history and legitimate struggle against colonial outrages and as a birthplace of high-profile achievers who contributed to various areas of Guyana’s development, is now forever tainted as a haven for banditry. Reliable sources indicate that while a few upright families are intimidated and occupied, many, too many accept, resignedly, the reality of the criminals and their terror - and the proceeds of their murderous criminal enterprise. But I repeat all this to make another singular, regrettable point.

It is a current fact that this village demonstrates all the characteristics of “a state within a state”. Reportedly, the residents don’t have to pay any utility bills if they don’t care to. (Others pay for them!) No collectors, especially from the State, are brave enough to enter that off-limit piece of Guyana.

It is doubtful whether any government official or operative from certain political parties will dare to enter Buxton now - without maximum loyal security forces. What does this make that place? And, I wonder, what is the response of those relevant official authorities. Out of respect - and some appreciation - for the Home Affairs Minister, the Chief of Staff and the good Police Commissioner - as well as some dedicated soldiers, I won’t share here, my views on the role of the Army amidst all that’s being allowed in Buxton-Friendship. Some readers might get my drift.

Fact: At this stage of our “politics”, the major Opposition is obviously bent on making the point that it has the ability and resources to frustrate any programme the Government might have, whether it is positive, constructive or not. As against urgent, genuine moves to compromise or reconcile, it is all about overt or covert destabilisation, political one-upmanship and “what-are-they-offering”. But you know what? Without surrendering the authority vested in them by the electorate, I feel that the Government should offer a bit more at this stage. Look for a little movement next week. Or just resolve to survive.

Fact: The criminal psyche and enterprise spawned since the jail-escape and the organized village-based terror, will never ever fully disappear. Even when certain political leaders indicate their assistance and the security forces reduce substantially the new-type, armed criminal activity, the young exponents and the seasoned criminals will always return to their new-found success of crime without punishment. One major remedy will be for the police to devise all types of campaigns and schemes to rid the communities of guns and other weapons. Apart from that, citizens have to be educated as to the need for continuous heightened security. From neighbourhood security groups to electronic monitors.

Fact: The Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) has a right to demonstrate its concern for what it perceives as ethnic violence against Guyanese of East Indian descent. However, sensitive, uncomfortable or partisan the issue might seem, that right remains. Others, posing as non-ethnic national representatives and “thinkers” do just that - represent constantly, the interests of their real or perceived constituencies. My own position is that though the bandits are generally not “racist”, they do decide just when they’ll target Indian communities. And their viciousness seems to be special then. Further, though no class deserves the visitation of banditry, it is a pity that these criminals now rob and dispossess poor struggling working-class persons in depressed communities. In the end, crime ignores race (when not politically directed.) And the monster frequently turns against its original Creators.

Now I hear that because GIHA is seen to be anti-Government, a more pro-administration “Indian Arrivals Committee” has been formed to promote activities to ensure the support of the country’s “Indians”. Ho-hum.

Fact: Some young policemen - perhaps with an under-siege perception - can be accused of excesses. But what do you expect when some twenty of their buddies have been executed? New attitudes of aggression, unfortunately, will characterize their methods. I would seek to assist the Police to explore this phenomenon in all its whole historical and many-sided ramifications and implications.

Consider my five offerings. Agree, disagree, but be decently rational in your responses.