Dear Editor,
We, the executive and members of the Alexander Village Vishnu Mandir, and villagers, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those responsible for peace prevailing in our Village this Diwali for the second year in a row. Previously, the Mandir, for more than a decade, was unable to conduct its traditional evening service unhindered, and saw the once lavish flourishing of Diyas become but a spattering.
Once again, under a directive issued by the Home Affairs Minister, Hon. Clement Rohee, the police executed their duties flawlessly and beyond the call of duty. In charge were Assistant Commis-sioner, George Vyphuis, and his team of senior officers West, Das and Jessmey. They were ably and professionally supported by over one hundred and fifty other senior and ordinary ranks, Com-munity Policing Groups (CPGs) and Rural Constables (RCs). To them all, we gratefully say thank you.
Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis was on the ground from since morning, right up until the end late into the night, ensuring that this year was better than the last. Of course, what he built on and surpassed, was what Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine and his team achieved last year under more difficult circumstances.
This time around the police “lock up” van was largely idle, and there was hardly a complaint by persons who came to enjoy the lights. We are aware that such a high police presence does take something away from the festival. In that regard we apologise, and ask that the public please bear with us until the situation is fully normalised. Already, however, based on this year, we anticipate the police presence will be less next year. We do look forward to regaining the glory days of a warm and open Alexander Village during Diwali in the very near future.
Yours faithfully,
Ravo Sukhram, Danny Ramdeen, Rajesh Ramotar, Gerhard Ramsaroop, Narita Singh, Jasmattie Shivraj, Meggie Danram, and numerous others.
