Targeting of Guyanese Indians by police in Richmond Hill, New York

Dear Editor,

An article by Vishnu Bisram published on Thursday,February 1, 2007 headlined “Guyanese in Richmond Hill charge police with profiling abuse” contained complaints by Guy-anese living there.

In the third paragraph of this article, it stated that “victims complained about racial profiling, and accusing the police of capricious and arbitrary targeting of their community”.

It seems that the bulk of this complaint is the fact that the majority of residents in that community have come to the conclusion that as their white counterparts who live in Howard Beach, can take certain liberties with parking they (Guyanese Indians) have a right to do the same, without repercussion.

Double parking, and triple parking is not an option, it is against the law. It is the same law in Brooklyn, Howard Beach, and even Richmond Hill.

Additionally, the response of the police to the individual may be due to previous replies by the “harassed”, and the haughty attitude.

Victim Faroukh’s experience where a police officer told him “I am going to teach you Indians a lesson”, should have provoked a walk down history lane, “I’m gonna get you niggers”.

The Police in Richmond Hill are not only concerned that the entire community is occupied by an influx of “foreigners”, but a new set of “negras, with strait hair”.

In 1966, in New York, my brother was stopped and harassed on several occasions because he drove a Corvette(he’s black), he was at that time employed by a prominent architectural firm in Manhattan.

At that time Adam Clayton Powell was the only black voice; his famous phrase was “keep the faith baby”.

My point is that maybe, just maybe, the fact that businessman Mr. Roger Khan happens to be an Indo-Guyanese, and his reputation has attracted law enforcement, means a connection is being assumed. Thus, the questions, “Is this your car or how did you afford it”.

I believe that if the residents of Richmond Hill did Due Diligence, obeyed the parking restrictions, address-ed the police with respect, they may see a change for the better. Complaining about police activity to the Police may be futile, but it must be kept in perspective.

Yours faithfully,

Keith Massay

Pembroke Pines,FL.