Dear Editor,
Why are there so many unsolved crimes in Guyana, especially high-profile murders? Something is definitely wrong with the Guyana Police Force. We have the Monica Reece case, Kalamadeen, the Bartica slayings, Lusignan massacre, Lindo Creek massacre, Gaz Nabi (from Nabi and Sons), Ronald Waddell, Sash Sawh, etc.
If the government thinks that the police cannot solve serious crimes, call in Scotland Yard or the RCMP as Jamaica and Trinidad did. I have a feeling that there are some criminal elements in the police force who are in cahoots with the criminals.
When my place in Guyana was attacked by armed gunmen, I told the police who was behind the crime but yet the police did not arrest this individual. Detailed statements and letters were furnished to the CID section of Alberttown Police station but this criminal is still on the loose.
All the police did was call the person in for a few questions and then they let him go. Whilst at the station the criminal was threatening my life and I told the Inspector [name provided] that by letter. I even received an email yesterday [Wednesday] from this criminal threatening me.
People are afraid to report criminals to the police because they do not trust the police, and this is a reason why serious crimes cannot be solved. I am no coward and I named the individual who masterminded the robbery and attack on my premises in Guyana, with strong evidence linking this individual to the crime and yet this individual cannot be arrested as yet and face the court.
The police have this person’s address and telephone numbers and they called him to update him with information that I provided to them about him and this criminal would call me and email me in Canada threatening me.
This was no ordinary robbery as no bandits would steal paper files, memory sticks, newspaper clippings and give me back my passport with US visa and all my credit cards, etc.
I hope the Commissioner of Police, the Home Affairs Minister and the President would read this letter and take some action against this individual who caused me to flee Guyana recently.
If the government cannot protect its citizens and offer security to its citizens, I see nothing wrong with citizens arming themselves to protect their own lives and their assets.
People must not be left at the mercy of these bloodthirsty criminals.
Who in their right mind would want to return to Guyana knowing they would not be safe. No wonder people want to leave Guyana by any means necessary because of the crime situation and when no justice is available to the victims.
Yours faithfully,
Balwant Persaud
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Commissioner of Police (ag) for any comments he may wish to make.
I am in sympathy with the plight of Mr. Persaud, but it is not only the police force that is at fault here. Why is Mr. Clement Rohee still Minister of Home Affairs? Putting it more bluntly, why is the government of the day still in office?
Sometime ago a former police woman was on radio (620 AM) in New York, alleging that even though the criminals are known, they are told not to arrest them by government officials.
The Guyana Police Force needs to take a position and let the rule of law prevail! Come on Henry, this foolishness must stop, and it must to begin with you.
It was Churchill who said this best “I was only the servant of my country and had I, at any moment failed to express her unflinching resolve to fight and conquer, I should at once have been cast aside.”
For the good of your country, Mr. Commissioner, STEP ASIDE!
YES!,YES!, WELL SAID
Sometime ago a former police woman was on radio (620 AM) in New York, alleging that even though the criminals are known, they are told not to arrest them by government officials.
This is the kind of unsubstantiated nonsense that should not be part of this blog.
But i guess it makes for good Anti-Govt propaganda.
Maybe you have someone in mind to replace Rohee and Greene,then again maybe you don’t.
When you meet that former police woman, ask her if she ever took a bribe?
I have lamented this many, many moons ago. However, I think there is something that this regime does not want a foreign force digging up.
Mr. Persaud, I’m sorry to tell you this but unless you run for president yourself, or have one of your children run for president, you will never get justice. So just let it go. People have been calling on the Govt. for YEARS now to get foreign help. A police commissioner from abroad or hire a private security firm from the US, England or Canada, but the great leader knows best and in his opinion, the police is doing a wonderful job, so just let them continue.
I totally understand why you are afraid. It’s similar to the case where fineman and his gang murdered the people in Agricola and burned their house down — it’s things like that which deter people from calling the police to give information about criminals and crimes. The police force is tainted and nothing can be done because, well look at it this way…if the police can’t get two, three petty criminals, how in god’s name are they to come up with a plan to catch the rats in their midst? Seriously. The only suggestion I have for you, Mr. Persaud, is this…try to get yourself and your family out of Guyana as fast as possible.
We don’t need Scotland Yard and F.B.I,we have competent and well trained Guyanese in the diaspora and at home that can do the job,myself and others in the security business have written the president and offer our wilingness to come back to Guyana and help,the president bluntly refused,we even had a face to face chat and again he refused.
School your children and you shall be free in the near future. Dont be fooled by PNC or Trotman with his people, they are not going to do any real thing in that land.
Anyway, I am still hoping and awaiting to see the erea of the coming of second Rodney in Guyana. Dem politician deh pon stupiness!
U GOT TO BE KIDDING rdman, something is wrong, they refused an offer?.
I sympathise with Balwant. The PPP is fostering Cheddi Jagan’s legacy with regards to Security. Jagan was not interested in Security after 1992. He told Canadian election observer that he has good people in the Police and he wantel money, not other assistance. Guyana will never change under the stewardship of the PPP.