WikiLeaks Revelations on Guyana’s Perilous Security Situation
Read by Gerhard Ramsaroop, AFC Executive

The Alliance For Change is seriously alarmed and concerned at the sensational bouts of information being divulged via the WikiLeaks website. Perhaps the most alarming and egregious relate to the information concerning the narco-connection of police chief Henry Greene.

A July 17, 2006 cable, sent by former US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Thomas, noted that then Ambassador Roland Bullen in a meeting with Roger Luncheon indicated that Greene’s name appeared repeatedly in reporting by various US government agencies in connection with criminal activities. Subsequently, the DEA informed Bullen that it had developed “specific, reliable information that documented continuing payoffs by narco-traffickers to Greene.” Thomas also noted that the DEA provided language for him to use in informing President Jagdeo: “US law enforcement has reliable reports from multiple sources that Henry Greene has benefited from, and continues to benefit from, the proceeds of drug trafficking.”

The AFC submits that such shocking information has to be taken in conjunction with the position adopted only some weeks ago by Berbice Commander Steve Merai to the very same effect that the police force is indeed infiltrated by the narco-trade. Such revelations bring to the fore the vulnerability of the Guyanese people to the narco-trade as well as to the dark criminal underworld. This has to be seen as one of the principal failures of the PPP.

The AFC reiterates its position that the Commissioner of Police must summarily resign and that there must be the launching of an independent forensic inquiry into the drug infiltration of the police force. Green’s recent calls for “proof” of drug connections is quite ridiculous as only a totally independent inquiry can unearth such information. The AFC submits that it is only out of such enquiry that we will be able to chart a course out of this present morass.

Further, in a cable dispatched on May 24, 2006 to, among others, the US Secretary of State, DEA Headquarters in Washington Bullen stated "The level of narco-trafficking influence on the political, judicial and economic systems in Guyana creates ripe conditions for the emergence of a narco- state.”In an earlier cable dated January 6, 2006, Bullen noted that there has been talk about setting up a DEA office here since 1999 and questioned the Guyana government’s sincerity in wanting one. “The current stumbling block is the GoG's inability or reluctance to give approval for basic logistical details. Post's position remains the same - the USG is ready to work with and advise the GoG as soon as the GoG is fully prepared to move forward in its fight against narco-trafficking.”

Describing the narco-situation in Guyana as “severe”, he said the DEA could work more effectively to accomplish the critical counter-narcotics objectives and provide more sustained support to local law enforcement agencies in Guyana. The DEA was expected to establish a vetted counter-narcotics unit in Guyana but the ambassador told the Secretary of State that he was worried that it could become infected by corruption. “An important challenge facing this unit is the pervasive corruption in the country, which has undermined previous Guyanese counter-narcotics initiatives,” he said, adding that establishing a DEA office will allow close and constant monitoring of the vetted unit to help alleviate this problem.”

Such revelations highlight the fact that Jagdeo’s and the PPP’s perpetual bemoaning the lack of US and other support and intelligence were all a sham.

The AFC’s Action Plan states the party’s initiative to confront organised crime and redress the breakdown of law and order. Such include:

1. Increasing substantially law enforcement officers’ salaries;

2. Giving the DEA permission to set up a local facility;

3. Re-engaging the British, USA and other friendly Governments for technical and financial assistance to reform the Joint Services;

4. Establishing a Group of Forensic Auditors to reduce corruption and white collar crimes and facilitate civilian oversight.

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Govt. double standards on WikiLeaks convenient – Ramjattan
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

“It is double standard for the government to be inconsistent on their perspectives on WikiLeaks, because when it is biting them, they are saying it is predominantly opinion, unsubstantiated statements and not true when it suits their cause. It just goes to show the unprincipled stance of Dr Roger Luncheon when he takes that position, and this shows the lack of credit worthiness of what they say,” says Alliance for Change (AFC) Presidential Candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan, in response to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat statements on WikiLeaks on Tuesday at the Presidential Complex.


AFC Presidential Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan

Dr Luncheon recently accused sections of the media, whom he said pander to an “anti-government” stance, of selectively reporting on the contents of the cables. However, while Luncheon and other government officials have sought to discredit the cables, the state-owned and controlled entities have been reporting selectively on the contents of the cables. The government media was doing the same but he remained silent when this was happening.

Adding that the perception by the various American Ambassadors were convincing, Ramjattan said the ambassador’s opinions were formed from their by virtue of being in the environment and their experiences which was conveyed to their superiors in America. “They (Ambassadors) were meeting people like Roger Luncheon, Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, and the President of Guyana and notes were written of what transpired at these meetings….indeed there were links with government officials with narco-traders and many senior government officials turned a blind eye to these occurrences. And by turning away they were condoning, and by essence the government’s omission to act is part and parcel of it.” Ramjattan said.

Noting that in the AFC’s 2006 campaign the party underscored the dangers that Roger Khan posed and the issues of money laundering, Ramjattan said they were told if they had shut their mouths on the issues they would have gotten more votes, but the party took the principle stand and now had been vindicated.

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