Dear Editor,

Tears came to my eyes when I read the story “Berbice police trying to “settle” child beating case-lawyer” in your edition of January 16, 2008. I cannot believe the senior officer who has approached the family to settle such a gruesome matter. How would he or any member of the police force feel if someone beats down on their ten year old son for stealing. Almost all of us have stolen something in our lifetime, even down to your mother’s fish in the kitchen. I am sick and tired of the police force using their power to commit gruesome acts on citizens, I think it’s time that this story should be used to make an example of any member of the force who tries to indulge in these inhumane activities.

I respect the family of that child who prefer to proceed with the matter in the court of law. The police have betrayed their trust and therefore they should be placed in the light. Imagine being mother or a father and seeing your child being beaten down upon and being afraid to say something because you are in the presence of the police. The police are being paid by hard-working citizens through taxes and we should at all times feel protected by their presence instead of terrified. This story really touched my heart because I’m the mother of an upcoming lad and to imagine what those parents went through, sorry that I can’t say I would have stood there and watched that happen to my child, no way I say. A child should be placed in a chair and spoken to.

I stand tall and strong on the Attorney-at-Law Charrandass Persaud’s side in continuing with this matter before the courts, and I know he is not doing it because of money, he is a man who would do his job for free to see justice prevail. I will be following up this story to see the outcome. Shame on you two officers.

Yours faithfully,

Kinda Velloza-Monkhouse