Dear Editor,
This nation is once again reverting to times when the Guyana Police Force is no longer being held to the standard of its motto “Service and Protection” consistent with laws and time-honoured principles, but to a standard dictated by political operatives. This could not be starker than in the case this week where the Force’s Chaplain, Reverend Patrick Doolichand, was dismissed on the pretext that his prayer at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference was “repugnant, fallacious and [of] inappropriate utterances,” which was viewed as offensive to President Irfaan Ali and portrayed the Force “negatively.” Another reason for the termination is Doolichand was “being investigated for alleged financial crimes.” He was later reinstated based on the involvement of Ali “that he appreciated the eloquent and forthright prayer….” This is a serious indictment on the Force under the stewardship of Nigel Hoppie as Commissioner (Ag) and Ali as Commander-in-Chief and President.
The Coalition Government (APNU+AFC) of the last five years was not without shortcomings, it was not a behaviour that occurred during the Donald Ramotar government which too had its shortcomings. The police’s present behaviour is taking us back to the Bharrat Jagdeo time in office. Attention too is being brought to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions under the leadership of Shalimar Ali-Hack. This office has advised that the alleged assault incident pertaining to Members of Parliament, Kwame McCoy and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, which was placed before her office, be referred to the Speaker for investigation. Said incident is alleged to have happened outside of the chamber for which the Speaker of the National Assembly has no responsibility. The Speaker presides over the conduct and behaviour of the Members when sitting. This has the appearance of an intent to not investigate and bring closure to an alleged act considered egregious and violation of women. This issue must be resolved given its nature and further division in society it is fostering.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Lewis
