The government has a duty to protect the rights and lives of those held in custody

Dear Editor,

The death of James Nelson at the Brickdam Police Station is disturbing. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.  I refuse to accept Police Commissioner Henry Greene’s explanation of what happened.

According to Greene, James Nelson “had to be subdued and we are not sure if it was at this point in time that this gentleman may have met some injuries.”  This sounds too much like standard ‘police talk.’ It will not do.

The Government of Guyana has a responsibility to protect the rights and lives of individuals who are held in custody. There should be no exceptions. None.

Yours faithfully,
Dr  Randy Persaud