WHILE Mr. Paul Slowe, retired Senior Police Officer is publicly spewing his venom to Guyana and the world, and as he seems to be enjoying himself in his accusations and suspicions, I wish to state that I had found him to be one of the most unapproachable Police officers I had ever met. I never found him helpful or cooperative in anything. I believe his ego superseded his professionalism. He was even responsible for security Service providers providing service in distant locations, to suffer in a particular and important need and service of the Police Force, which existed from ancient times, which the wise British knew the need of that service, and established a mechanism to sustain it. This was while he was Commander of Berbice (B Division).

In a matter of Learner’s Drivers’ Packages,, at that time which was always in short supply, and which was abused by some police selling them, only to those who could provide a top up on the fee, which I believe was $3,500 at that time, I called him to let him know what I found, but he was most short, blunt, annoyed and not interested. When some of us who are supporters of the Police Force advised the senior functionaries of the Police Force they should listen. We will never say things that will demean the Police, or lie on any, ever.
I then raised it with the Commissioner at the time, he also seemed unhappy and politely put it aside, but some months later, he heard from associates of the similar advice I was giving on the matter, he did what he had to and found that I was right, and that powerful Commissioner called me to apologise and said I (Roshan Khan) was absolutely correct that some Police were selling above the price.  I suggested he flood the market with the packages so there is no black-marketing of the packages, which was done. The black-marketing ended right there.
I wish to state that these things happen all over the world and not just in Guyana, even in Canada the Immigration Department had cases of Officers taking bribes, in money and female human flesh, and also taking cash that was paid in for services.  Same in New York by the NYPD, etc. etc. etc.

Having been in the security service sector and as a provider for over 30 years, I always found Divisional Commanders and other Senior Police Officers as most assuring, cooperative, dynamic, helpful and concerned with excellent relations.  Commissioners have always been reassuring and supportive of the role of security services in our society and country, in providing employment and support to the Force by their presence.  Generally there exists excellent partnership with the Police Force in general and security services. I always respect persons and members of the police force in general.  When they do wrong I say so, and when they are right I will go to my grave defending them.

In the response from the AG, he mentioned:  “Inspector Chandra Lall, father of a vocal and highly visible security service provider in the 70’s and 80’s…”  I wish to concur with the Hon. Attorney General.  That was my father, and he died a bitter man.  He lived for and loved the Police Force, and thought that in the end the Force will look out for him.  He was disappointed with the cancellation of the Seaman’s Ward of the then Public Hospital, as Police and Military officials were given some special care there, and it was a benefit which made service in the force attractive.

He was sent while serving as a Detective Corporal to study with MI 5, and was being prepared for greater things by the British Colonial Masters.  He was promoted to Detective Sergeant Detectives in Berbice, (and was nicked Berbice James Bond), and evoked much jealousies within.  The Force sadly is known to be like this, which is why when I completed my studies in Canada in Police Technology, I did not join the Force. He was an extremely handsome man, few, if any I have seen like him in the world. Being appointed Sergeant, within three months he created history to be promoted Inspector within three months, and for several years was the youngest Inspector in the Force. This came up as a question on a famous night quiz show on radio in those days, and someone won the quiz by identifying his name. These things evoke much jealousy in certain establishments, when one is promoted rapidly, and because of ones investigative skills, personality and dynamo.

My father was kept at that position for twelve 12 long years. He was persecuted more, for disagreeing with certain persons within the establishment, and had his own independent and professional mode of thought on the Toll Gate Murder in No.63 Village, in which a popular PPP activist was arrested, I think his name was Arnold Rampersaud, who after years of languishing in prison was found not guilty and eventually given refugee status in Canada. This redeemed my father’s investigative and professional opinion, but he was penalised for uttering this when he was investigating by saying:  “They took the wrong man!” Within hours he was called to Georgetown and placed in uniform to do a constable’s work.

He was sapped of his energies, his excellence weaned, and he turned to alcohol, more and more, while still serving as a professional officer who knew police work as if it was embedded in his blood line.  AWAD (aka Aud) after twelve years, was promoted to Assistant Superintendent, and then Deputy Superintendent and Snr. Superintendent, serving as Assistant Commissioner (ag)), but was never confirmed. He retired, refusing the ceremony, and became a tired and lonely man, having been broken, beaten, by the then PNC Government and the Police Administration of those days. He was followed by another great Police Officer, Mr. John Mahadeo, who chose to withdraw on medical grounds. They were nicknamed Batman and Robin, Chandra Lall, being batman and his student Mahadeo was Robin.  John Mahadeo also refused the ceremony.

My father was a Policeman who seemed born to that and died a policeman. The former Commissioner, Mr. Balram Raghubir, described him as a great investigator and still says so when we meet.

I beg men and in position of the Police and Military, when someone is young, dynamic, good looking, intelligent, a rare combination, or excellent in their work only, do not destroy their lives out of jealousy or whatever difference may exist, e.g. race, religion, or politics. The Attorney General, the Hon. Minister is correct.

How come I carry the name Roshan Khan, that is another matter for sometime in the future.  Who knows, knows!  Who don’t….maybe they would one day!