I DO NOT doubt that David Hinds was searched by CANU at the airport. To make this into a case of harassment, however, is truly making a mountain out of a molehill. I should tell you that I have also been searched by CANU on repeated occasions at the airport.

On one occasion, CANU was searching alternate persons in the line. The person in front of me was supposed to be searched. The CANU officer, however, adjusted the procedure, skipped the person in front on me, and carried out a total search of my suitcase and my person.

I was not happy about that, but I did not see it as political.

On another occasion, I was pulled aside for no other reason than the fact that I had only a carry-on suitcase. I was interrogated why I did not have more suitcases, or at least a larger one. I explained that I was only in the country for a few days, and protested that my itinerary is my own business. The CANU officer told me that ‘out-of-pattern’ travellers are searched. I was not pleased, but I accepted the explanation.

The ongoing politicization of the Hinds search is a sad commentary on the extent to which opposition elements would go towards making something out of nothing.

Finally, David Hinds should know that he is a household name in Guyana, and if he was called Dr. Hinds, he should not be surprised. I am really keen on learning how Hinds knows that he was the only person searched. He must have been at the counter when the first passenger checked in, and stayed there until the very end, all the time with his eyes at the CANU counter.