Dear Editor,
I refer to KN’s article (6.11.09) titled, ‘Terror mastermind traced to US –president.’ On one point, I absolutely agree with the President; on another, I find myself questioning, even doubtful.
The hijacking, abduction, murder, drive-by shootings, and arson attacks – the whole string of terror attacks – must be condemned in the harshest terms possible. There is no justification for the sequence of events themselves, or any activities relating to their execution. No justification whatsoever, as none is served by this development; neither the powerbrokers, nor power seekers, nor larger society of any colouration. Whatever the source of – and whatever the rationale(s) for –this latest episode of sponsored and calculated mayhem, it is dastardly and destructive to the already fragile fabric and psyche of the nation. As said before, on this I agree with the President. In terms of the aspect of a “US master mind” I start to depart.
First, I must state that all that follows is what has been gleaned from the public reports, as carried in the newspapers. I realize that investigators, and coordinators, of necessity, will withhold certain sensitive information as a protective, if not legal, measure. I now focus on what President Jagdeo offered.
In sum, and in no particular order, it was that: 1) calls were made before and after the MOH fire was lit; 2) they were made to the same (overseas) number; 3) one was made after the fire was lit; 4) the overseas number surfaced during the Buxton situation; and 5) this is not the work of ordinary criminals. With the exception of the very last point, I have some trouble with all of this; serious trouble.
The President is reported as saying that this is not the work of “ordinary criminals” laying the basis for the inferential of work by the extraordinary or sophisticated. I agree. From hereon, things fall apart.
If this mastermind (or masterminds) possesses even some of the sophistication attributed, why would he – or she – retain the same telephone number from the “Buxton situation” of over five years ago? Moreover, why would this person leave an obvious and concrete investigatory trail by arranging for confirming calls before and after the Ministry of Health’s arson? Further, why would another incriminating call have to be made after the fire was lit, when it would be a matter of mere hours before the conflagration would burn its way across the Guyanese lane of cyberspace? Still further, in the light of advanced tracing mechanisms, why hold on to this telltale phone number today? Especially after Buxton and the Ministry of Health, when a telephone number has become the equivalent of a smoking gun, and the same has been broadcast by both police and politicians. Why communication by phone, when the vast wastes of the information superhighway could conceivably provide a safer, more nebulous environment? Given that there is this overseas mastermind of some sophistication, is he the only one who can be so described? Are the locals purely of the thug variety, who can only blow up and burn, and then make incriminating phone calls?
Proceeding further along this line of questioning, I ask myself: is this mastermind – and network – this arrogant? Taunting? Reckless? Is this party so confident – or uncaring – about detection and apprehension? Is he representative of a “rogue operation,” or such a compartmentalization, as to permit deniability whatever the situation might be? Going out on a limb ever so slightly, does the Guyana government really need the help of US authorities to track the owner and holder (not necessarily user) of this much bandied about overseas phone connection?
Returning to the matter, as reported, I find all of this a little shaky, and weak in the credibility department. I know some will point to the “cheapness” (rental van return) of the perpetrators of the first WTC attack, which led to their demise. Why not here, too, since all it takes is one slip; perhaps, there is shoestring budget.
It is just possible that this mastermind is not as sophisticated as the President has stated, or as I believe. It is possible, too, that there is much more to this than is being said, or shared. Think of it: this group plans and executes coordinated attacks; arranges prisoner escapes within hours; and disappears as if it never existed. But – there is that infernal but again – the calling card, the irrefutable fingerprints, the mug shot of a telephone number are all left behind to remind any and all of the crime. This is done repeatedly, as if to reiterate ownership. Something is not right here.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
What exactly don’t you get? It’s quite simple actually- the PPP has a penchant for being creative with the facts.
What about the local owner from where the call was made. If made from a ‘payphone’ atleast the local criminal(s0 are smart and we would think that the mastermind in the US is more sophisticated according to Jagdeo……seems to me as if this is a smoke screen or an attempt to get someone who has been critical of Jagdeo and his administration or further still to scare critics in the dispria that he can disrupt their lives from their supposedly safe haven in a foreign country. I don’t think the US authorities will respond with any seriousness; sheer diplomatic responses like checking about privacy laws…give me a break!!
Amazing how the source of this one is known in less than 24 hours..what about d Lindo Creek murder Mr President?… Are the masterminds living in Australia?
It is clear that the mastermind that does not exists or he is so dumb that he only strikes when it is in the Government’s interest.i.e Torching of the Ministry of Health during the Roger Khan court case and shooting and burning in the city when the administration is under pressure from alleged sanctioning of torture by enforcers of the law.
I agree Lall, somthing is not right with the president’s diatribe.
Amen-ra
wy yuh have to agree????
dont you know dis man de watching de OJ trial wen Dr Henry Lee said “Something not right”
dis banas is no Henry Lee…..
what happen to my probe of 2 attempted arson by known criminals?its over 2 years and the police and the DPP cannot file a charge although all the evidence is before them.People in high places can do anything and get off from the law.
People, Jagdeo is using the ‘information’ about a telephone number and having a copy of a video of the opposition associating with criminals to mask his inability to get on top on the situation. Jagdeo is using us and we have to call him out on his foolishness. If the opposition were so weak and self-serving Jagdeo would not be playing this foolishness on us. Come on opposition call this man on his bluff!
The media can also help by taking the initiative to call the President’s bluff. The people are relying on you, pleeeease step in and assume the role.
I’m amazed by statements being made by Pres Jadgeo…..phone numbers and phones are now portable…..so having a number does not tell you where that phone is that is receiving the call….remember that attack in Pakistan????? computer phones…..they couldn’t track them…..the number will only tell you who is legally the owner of that phone…..and there are ways to disguise the phones……
All of the masterminds are in the US jails serving time for traficking in illegal drugs.
GHK, you are right, not only is something not right, but many things are not right. Firstly, information and communication. The President establishes himself as liaison, Police Commissioner and to some degree leader/head of the Government; he conducts briefings that are void of substance and credibility. And what is most disturbing about his conduct is when he desends to the gutter, by referring to a citizen as ” man kisser”. Secondly, and most importantly, the President has failed the Nation by his negative or zero implementation of structures to fix the security sector, and has moved at snail’s pace or not at all in seeking accountability by his police chief for the rash of tortures by serving police officers and the upsurge of crime, particularly in Guyana’s principal business district. What more must Guyanese tolerate from this President? Now in his capacity of “Police Commissioner” he is telling the nation that he has information that the nation is being attacked by foreign operatives. I remember as a little boy my Grandmother quite often referred to a certain villager as “empty drum”, and she would end by saying “empty drum” makes the most sound. The man is empty and his drum is booming. Guyanese can’t you hear it and ask the same question Mr. Lall is asking: is anything right here? But don’t only querry what is not right, do something about reality of life that makes it meaningful for you to be Guyanese. ISNM
ow giant, ress up nah. yuh still with that arson thing.
When I read that Article in the newspaper I laughed heartily. That is one big nancy story Jagdeo trying to shove down Guyanese throats.
I agree with you GHK Lall
Ha Ha Ha Haaaa