Dear Editor,
The ingenuity of tactics and strategies of the Guyana Police Force to address crime is always amusing. Case in point, on a recent trip to Bartica I was told that I need to give my name to a man writing names in a note book by the Stelling. He does not ask for proof of ID. When I enquired why I should I was told that there was an increase in crime in Region 7 by persons travelling to the region. I considered asking about the constitutionality and legality of the exercise, how do I know it was really the police force collecting the information (I cannot recall seeing a badge), how can I be sure the information was used for only that purpose, as well as the consequences for refusing. However, the gentlemen taking the names did not seem to be the kind to entertain that kind of discussion and I was also short on time.
So, I did what I would do if I were going to the region to commit a crime. I gave him a fake name. Incidentally, he only writes down the initial of your first name and your surname. I think the genius sleuths at the Guyana Police Force obviously considered this possibility in this brilliant plan to address crime in the region. Upon leaving Bartica a few hours later, I encountered another man taking names of those leaving the region. I also gave him a fake name but to maintain some consistency I made sure I gave the same fake name.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)
