Dear Editor,
I refer to the article titled, `APNU+AFC calls for release of Trevor Benn’ (SN March 11). There are several things terribly and embarrassingly wrong with this development, which I have no option, but to lay at the feet of the government and its machinations.
For clarity, I was in the same conference room with Mr. Benn once; that was my only interaction, in any form, with this embattled citizen. The locking up and then continued holding of Mr. Benn, who now stands disgraced and humiliated, reeks of the mean spirited and vindictive. It as if the messages are ‘we mean business’ and ‘we are going to get you’. Why?
One more time: why do our leaders have to stoop so low and in such an unbelievably dastardly manner? Why is our supposedly independent Guyana Police Force used and misused in this way to inflict what is intolerable and unacceptable on opponents? We set free rapists and serial murderers and illegal firearm owners (all alleged, of course) through bail considerations. We strive to be judicious-sometimes to the detriment of society-in our courts by granting hearings and reductions in sentences to those who commit numerous barbarities on fearful citizens of this lawless land. Yet, there is this vindictiveness and viciousness aimed at and then pounded into Mr. Benn to grind his face (and that of his people) into the dust.
As is public knowledge, Mr. Benn is a senior civil servant (former). To the best of my information, Mr. Benn is not violence prone, or a repeat felony offender. In view of what has surfaced thus far, Mr. Benn has not been held for seditious or treasonous conduct; or any involvement in conspiracies that bode ill intent to the state or the PPP government. Yet I sense this malevolence that flourishes so richly. It is the stuff of which heroes are made.
I am amazed at the levels to which the PPP leadership has sunk to prove points, to score through cheap shots. Mr. Benn is entitled to the same rights that is inalienable to every citizens. That is, he is innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, until such time that he has had his day in court, then release the man (and immediately), and afford him every courtesy that is his under Guyana’s constitutional provisions. We do this for violent men, we do this for serial crooks, we do this for leading political scoundrels when we look the other way, and pretend that nothing illegitimate is there, and all is well.
I find it hard to believe that Mr. Benn is a flight risk, or that he would be so elusive as not to desire to clear his name by contesting in person the charges still to be leveled against him. Let him have his due: a dignified standing before the bar of justice, true justice and not some show trial. And if he is found guilty, then throw the book at him. But before then, I say be done with this abomination of his prolonged incarceration.
I say release him now, and let the rancorous partisanship that saturates this detention be over. Thus, it is with great relief that I greet the release of Mr. Benn; I am glad that good sense and some fair play prevailed in this instance.
To President Ali, I say that if this is part of the vision of some unfolding in the undertaking of ‘One Guyana’ then the best of luck. Poultices may heal slowly, but caustic soda pierces to the heart, and quickly upsets the bearing. This is what is at work in the instance of Mr. Benn. These underhanded tactics and stratagems are very risky. I caution: Proceed at own peril. What is happening to Mr. Trevor Benn should not happen to a dog. It could have been me. Who knows who is next….?
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
