Dear Editor,
In this instance, it is a cop. Only one. So far. I would hope that there are more like this unprecedented speaker. Because when a senior police officer dares to breach the impregnable blue (khaki) wall of silence, then that says something. Many things.
First, it is that things are really bad, have deteriorated to the point where the sights and stenches and sounds can be neither ignored nor denied. Those perverse police things cannot be dissembled nor obscured for much longer. The police have run out of both brooms with which to sweep and carpets under which to shelter the chronic, crippling wrongdoings that imperil citizens. The police have run out of time and excuse and credibility. For its part, the government cannot be a disinterested and disengaged bystander, waiting for the second coming of something. Something vague, indefinable, insignificant. That hour is behind this country. It had better be at this time after all that has happened; and if the peoples of this society are going to be ready to deal with what is in front of them.
Second, when a senior officer of the force (as reported) has broken ranks that reveals certain truths-raw and ugly and haemorrhaging and spirit sapping-that, of necessity and principle, must be faced with eyes locked straight ahead, face set like flint, and soul committed to searching for a way forward. A real way, a meaningful way, and in an absolutely unflinching way. Any other way, and I am unmoving that it would be the usual six for nine, and the subtle and not-so-sophisticated institutional slime that causes all to fall. That breaking of ranks and silence is indicative that matters may have already proceeded past the point of remediation. That is, unless arrested right now and in the most comprehensive and punitive fashion. Otherwise, there are only paltry poultices for the terminal and now confirmed basket case. That is how bad things are perceived as being with the Guyana Police Force in Guyana.
Third, the fact that a senior officer has stepped forward to join the growing volume of voices tells something about that particular watchman over the world of Guyana. It is that he had better be clean himself before he could even have thought to take such a fateful step. I take the plunge and believe. That benefit must be given, and inhaled for the breath of fresh air that it is; it is a rare waft emanating from the cancerous bowels of the Guyana Police Force. If he is not clean himself, nor confident in the impeccability of his own credibility and credentials then he, too, would have been shackled into silence and distancing and pretending. There has to be no fear of self-incrimination; no fear of finger pointing through counter accusations; no fear of a career that may now be in jeopardy as to upward mobility. It could be the kiss of death, through the Furies unleashed in institutional vengeance for violating the deep-seated omerta that prevails.
Fourth, it is hoped that there are more that are like this official of yearned-for character in the Guyana Police Force; and that they, too, will venture forward. I would hope that this pioneering voice possesses the stamina to stay the course, lead the charge forward, come what may. He must be prayed for, rallied around, lauded and rewarded in due time. Right now, a law enforcement housecleaning is due, way overdue. Detoxification. Rehabilitation. Sanctification even. It may take years, but this country needs it. This country needs it and now; so that it does not have to look over shoulder, live in suspicion, function in fear.
Fifth and finally, I believe that the ball is now in two courts simultaneously: police administration and central government. This is opportunity and circumstance, perhaps the waited-for perfect storm of time and occasion, to seize the moment and act. Let it be faced: the place has to be purged. Thoroughly and from top to bottom. Too many dragging it down, and all the rest of Guyana with it. That includes me. There is little to recommend and applaud from what is getting done now. Less is to be anticipated in the future, should things remain the same. It is time to stop the scandalous knavery. For as the police goes, the government goes. Guyana, too.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
