Dear Editor,
I hope that the President, his Cabinet, our Parliamentarians, Heads of our Security Forces and all responsible citizens interested in security, the integrity and ultimately the peace of this country would take seriously the letter by one Mark Bynoe headlined, “Until the security forces are perceived to deal with all criminal activities in an even-handed manner all plans will come to naught” (08.03.27).
He has ‘hit the nail on the head’. This is vital but are our friends in high places listening, do they care, or are the existing conditions part of their comfort?
Our security forces, the police in particular, must avoid the impression that they are only responding to political directives from the party in office.
Apart from the points well made in this letter, we can add the many instances of criminality by the nouveau riche and those well connected.
They kill ordinary citizens on the road with their 4×4’s and luxury vehicles. These matters simply dissolve – we’re told, settled out of court and out of the police station. Is this justice? Those who commit similar offences but lack the financial resources or connections languish in our prisons and police lock-ups.
I have already related my own experience at Eve Leary.
As a citizen still with a high regard for many officers and ranks of the police force, I have now lost confidence in certain of the police top brass. Prevarication is vicious and unacceptable.
All the state leaders need to do is to apply appropriate moral yardsticks to things they do. This will be the beginning to regain the confidence of the general public and usher in a regime of good governance, and also allow people of rectitude to function.
Take one example of a security related issue. In yesterday’s paper, we noticed that the Mini-bus Association is locked in a court battle over parking in Georgetown. Parking and congestion in any city have serious security implications.
It is mind-boggling to understand why the plan for the orderly development of Georgetown, prepared at great cost and time by highly qualified town planner, Professor Akbar Khan, is being routinely ignored or compromised. This Plan with certain amendments was approved by the Cabinet of Guyana.
Why this plan for the development of our city is not being implemented is something the government need to explain.
Yet, ignoring the plan and without appropriate consultation with the municipality, or by open tender, we learn that properties and areas are being capriciously disposed of.
So, we are now running ‘helter skelter’ to set up mini-bus parking facilities in front of an international hotel and other businesses depriving them of parking for their customers and normal deliveries.
When the City Council settled details for parking meters with an overseas-based Guyanese group, the Government ordered ‘no further action,’ we are looking at it. That was nine years ago.
It is time for those of us with integrity, experience and with a genuine interest in the welfare of the city and state, to be allowed to help, and to avoid the belief so beautifully demonstrated in the cartoon in Thursday’s Stabroek News.
This country deserves better. Our young people are entitled to new opportunities, to want to stay here, and not run.
All the President and his lieutenants need do, is to call on many of us with the experience, integrity, love and moral fibre, to manage specific entities, but who are not necessarily party sycophants and more importantly are not greedy. Overnight, they will see a change. Stop blocking people who offer to help.
I noticed the alacrity and efficiency with which my namesake had charges of sedition laid. I hope that with equal efficiency and alacrity he would bring charges against those who committed murder and other heinous crimes, he should know that the list of these offences is long.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green. J.P
