Release of video footage is not enough

Dear Editor,

Recently, the Chairman of the AFC, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, called on the government to release video footage of supposedly “political figures” that went into Buxton and mingled with the late ‘Fineman’ Rawlins and other gunmen. The PPP said it had no problem with this.

I agree to such release but along with any release, I urge the government to bring these “political figures” (and others) to trial in our courts of law. Fineman was not above the law, because he answered to the law. But these “political figures” seem to be untouchable.

No president or attorney general has shown the courage to bring a “political figure” or political activist to court for links with these gunmen. A failure to prosecute will embolden them. Unless we begin to prosecute, we cannot claim to be making significant progress. Taking more than five years to catch one man is not progress.

Publication of the video without prosecution will only feed a need for scandal, give rise to mud-slinging, and perhaps result in the state being sued.

Yours faithfully,
Rakesh Rampertab