Some people want rights that they deny to other humans

Dear Editor, The likely Court case, Garaj versusTeixiera ( KN 19/11/2015, Chronicle 19/11/2015, Stabroek News 19/11/2015), will be a spectacle indeed if it proceeds. Two former PPP Ministers of Home Affairs in court, over nefarious activities, one accusing the other. Not surprising at all. As the PPP implodes one anticipates that more will come to light. The event is instructive, since it does provide anecdotal evidence of what really went on in the PPP. What is most instructive, and grievous, is that Mr. Gajraj loves his hide but cared so little for the rights of others. He knows to find the Court fast. He rushed to court to file libel charges against the Chronicle, the same paper he once used to deny the existence of the Phantom Squads, and Ms. Teixeira. He wants to Court to protect him from accusations, to give him the opportunity to defend himself, and prove his innocence. That is his right. However, he denied the same right to which other citizens of Guyana are entitled. Notice the difference. The same sources (US Embassy cables and Wikileaks) have generated information accusing President Granger and Mr. Gajraj.  President Granger took notice. The PNC made its rebuttal and moved on. However, Mr.  Gajraj,  who repeatedly and deliberately ignored the rights of citizens, hundreds of whom were slaughtered, many without public accusation, without charge, without arrest, and yes, without any opportunity to prove their innocence before a Court, did not  see it fit to grant those civilians the right of a hearing, but now seek refuge behind the same Court. Former President Jagdeo petitioned the Court to protect him from Freddie Kissoon’s accusation of racism, and sought to use the same Court to persecute innocent civilians from the New Building Society. Sounds familiar? In a different set of circumstances one would merely state this convergence of events as ironic. They are profound however, because they describe events and experiences that are typical of despots, and the real menace to a society. Mr. Gajraj had the opportunity to flee to India, without having to answer for Death Squads (called Phantom Gangs) which, outside of a Court of Law, condemned and executed citizens of this country, and now he can return to a safe country. Those killed never had the same chance. Some were maliciously slain, killed in front of their children. Others were slain while still in their beds. Many have been permanently silenced, and unlike Mr. Gajraj, will never have their day in Court Ivor Carryl