STABROEK NEWS, Jan 30 --
Dear Editor,
Our country is festering and those who should do something to stem this rot from spreading are letting the people down.
There is one body or agency with the name of the “police” which is tarnishing the country’s name. Are the relevant authorities so inept that over a decade-and-a-half this body that swore to protect citizens is doing quite the opposite? Police excesses are seen by everyone except those in authority. ‘The police can do no wrong’ should be the new motto of the Guyana Police Force. These rogue cops are protected by their colleagues and by their masters.
Guyana is likely one of the few countries where the authorities tend to take the people for fools when they blatantly do things that are highly questionable. Take, for example, the police investigating themselves, and the failure to deal condignly with ranks who are guilty of wronging innocent civilians, like the Leonora matter some time back.
Many ranks, especially on the road, feel that they are gods. You say “Good morning,” to most of them and they are deaf, moreso, discourteous.
We should not ignore the fact that there is a significant number of police officers who are not only tarnishing the force, but the country as well. A few likely moved up the ranks.
The Ministry of Home Affairs needs to be invigorated by fresh ideas because for quite some time it would take one step forward and three steps backward.
The people are crying and no one listens; even if they listen nothing effective is done.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
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Gilbakka understands why the letter-writer doesn't want his/her name published. Fear of reprisal.