MY name is Ganesh Narine and I am a member of the Community Policing Group at Springlands Police Station (voluntary member). On Republic Day, a Cuban doctor assaulted me in the presence of two policemen, Constable Baichu and a young African traffic policeman. I was driving to Line Path when the doctor, who is attached to the Skeldon Hospital, drove his vehicle in a dangerous manner alongside mine and then suddenly stopped in front of my vehicle. The doctor seemed to have been under the influence of alcohol. At the time, a female friend and two male friends were in my vehicle.
On my way back to Number 78 Village, I reported the incident at the Springlands Police Station. I subsequently learnt that the doctor was at his girlfriend’s home at Crabwood Creek. I took the two policemen there. They summoned him and he came out in a rage and dealt me several slaps in my face. The policemen were unable to control him and they invited us to visit the police station the following day.
The next day I had to do some early morning business in New Amsterdam and as a result, I reported at the Central Police Station and the Commander called the Inspector in my presence and ordered the officer to arrest the doctor. He also asked that I accompany the policeman to the doctor’s home.
He was at his home at 17:00 hours when the police and I went there. He refused to go to the Springlands Police Station and I went back to the station with the policeman. The Constable advised that I report the problem to Inspector Henry. I went back to the station on February 25 and Inspector Henry was unavailable. The next day I met Inspector Henry, in his working uniform at the market, and he instructed me to meet him at the Springlands Police Station at 13:00 hours. I went and shortly after the Inspector telephoned the doctor who arrived within half an hour’s time and we both went into Inspector Henry’s office. After listening to both of us, Inspector Henry asked that we settle the matter. I told Inspector Henry that if the doctor apologised to me I would settle the matter. He refused and ordered that I should keep away from the vicinity of the Skeldon Hospital. With that said, I told Inspector Henry that I want the matter to go to court. Henry then ordered me to leave his office and wait outside while he and the doctor remained in his office for about five minutes. The doctor then came out of the office and went away. Inspector Henry came out right after him and requested that I have a meeting with him the following day (February 27). From that date, I kept visiting the Springlands Police Station and Inspector Henry was always unavailable. I was told by Inspector Henry on March 10 to report on Friday March 12. Inspector Henry further said to me that because the individual is a doctor he cannot issue a charge unless he discusses the matter with the Commander of ‘B’ Division.
After listening to Henry, I became frustrated and did not go to the Springlands Police Station on Friday.
I want justice. Justice is not served at the Springlands Police Station because the officers believe that people with money and big jobs are better than ordinary citizens.