I write to thank CANU for its quick official response that its searches of passengers’ belongings are not politically driven in a letter titled “CANU does not conduct operations based on political directives (SN Jun 30). I am sure the travelling public is relieved that they are not targeted but that searches are done routinely to deter drug smuggling. That clarification was badly needed to reassure passengers especially those of us who travel frequently.
I am also relieved to learn that the search of Dr. David Hinds luggage was not politically inspired and that there was no instruction from “above” as alleged by Freddie Kissoon (column KN Jun 23), to search Hind’s belonging. CANU also did the right thing to apologize to Hinds and offered compensation for the breakage of his bottle of achar. That is the least CANU can do. Prof. Hinds has given readers a different account of what took place at the airport. Only Hinds and CANU knew what actually triggered the search and what happened during the inspection. Prof. Hinds should have levelled a complaint soon after his arrival at his destination and not through Kissoon who is a known anti-government advocate.
I believe that everyone should be subjected to search regardless of status in society. No one should be treated with deference. People should not view routine searches as harassment. At the same time, CANU agents must do their job professionally and without bias.