‘Truth is simple’

Dear Editor,

Why should our authorities vacillate on this question of the report on torture by sections of our security forces? This is not helping to engender confidence in them, something we badly need today. And Editor, I again beg not to accuse all members of our security forces. These dastardly acts are engineered by a select set of senior and junior ranks. These persons must be exposed and excised without further delay – violence breeds violence. We saw this a few years ago. Indeed in their own interest the authorities are well advised to be open and share the truth with this nation. Get rid of the torturer and bad eggs.

Our prisons seem to have joined the cruel crusade. Look at the inhumane, cruel and uncivilized treatment being meted out to Oliver Hinckson. When will those at the top, who one week ago, declared their ignorance of Hinckson’s allegation, now tell us what they found, and so bring an end to this alleged barbarity? Their silence is worrisome. The voice of every patriot, every true Christian, every true Muslims, every true Hindu, every concerned lawyer and public figure should raise their voices against what seems to be the torturing of Oliver Hinckson – they cannot be silent – why? They may be next! But what about justice, basic humanity and our constitution?

Accused prisoner Edwin Niles was beaten and died in hospital shortly after. Who or what is responsible? Will this be another Donna Herod death without a satisfactory explanation. All these things disallow us from reposing confidence in a section of our security forces – are these men beastly or barbarians, gentlemen or patriots? We need to know by releasing the truth, or are we to accept torture as the norm? Let us stop this nasty habit.

In this regard I am sure the nation was excited and happy when on Sunday we read that our Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene at last has an eyewitness to the Lindo Creek slaughter. Congratulations! I hope that by the time this letter is published, the nation will be able to bring closure to this sordid affair by exposing the eyewitness. One week has elasped. Mr Commissioner, again congratulations, and now, let us have the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from the eyewitness. Please Sir, no deals – by some criminal who still say anything to earn their reprieve, or to get a little ease. In the interest of the security forces, this eyewitness should be subject to a polygraph test conducted by internationally credible and independent technicians. May I respectfully suggest or remind that our security forces must practise standard operational procedure at all times; how come the Trinidad team got lost on their way to the Lindo Creek location?

Why did the US, not respond positively to our request for help?

This Lindo Creek massacre saga is interesting. The media has reported that Captain Gerry Gouveia has deemed as outrageous allegations, implicating our servicemen. Many times I have expressed admiration of and confidence in the many officers and ranks of our forces. Some are highly professional, and honest – good men and women in uniform. However, these are rather different times; we see all around us evidence of a moral decay and turpitude.

Recently my security detail making their routine rounds around Jelante Pharmacy late at night, reported that two boys of between nine  and 11 years, rode into the Gymnasium and snatched two cell phones from the folks that were staying there. They had a good head start before an alarm was raised; some gave chase, but they disappeared into two yards. We read of a QC schoolboy using a real gun to hold up and rob a taxi driver. A Queen’s College boy! Unthinkable in my days and Gerry’s. Things have changed, so Gerry shouldn’t put his head on a block for any one or group; let us await a fuller revelation. History has shown only when we create an environment of trust, justice and truth, can we march triumphantly to a Good Governed Guyana, the victory of peace and the Glory of God. Can we do it – yes we can! But give us good men and women everywhere, whose words we can trust.

Goethe reminded us years ago that “Truth is simple and gives little trouble, but falsehood gives occasion for the frittering away of time and strength.” Our people, in particular, our youth everywhere wish to live in peace and love.

Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP