One can only imagine the devastation of families of the police ranks killed in the line of duty, and victims of thieves and murderers, but the local colloquialism aptly describes the relatives and supporters of the perpetrators: ‘Wrong and Strong’ aptly describes the contentious attitudes of relatives and sympathisers of the deadly killers, whose murderous rampages have left many homes destitute of precious lives and possessions.
Seeking to blame the police for the demonic actions of their relatives merely adds to the vileness of those persons who seek to justify the murder of sleeping babies and other innocents in the sanctity of their homes, or in pursuit of their respective endeavours.
Among the throngs who attended the funerals of the two-legged killers who finally met their Waterloo, and those who dub them ‘heroes’ and ‘martyrs’ were obviously many who provided them with shelter and succour in exchange for some of their booty, or for political opportunism.
And while the actual bandits paid the ultimate price for their crimes, these aiders and abettors are no less culpable of the deaths and destruction of the lives of innocent persons targeted, for sometimes indecipherable reasons, by these monsters.
As are the instigators and planners, for these – according to Tacuma Ogunsye, ‘Freedom Fighters’ were obviously encouraged that their infamous actions were for a greater calling, although not much encouragement would be necessary for these indisputably merciless demons to pursue what they perceived as easily-acquired riches, especially when they are provided the wherewithal to do so, in the form of arms, ammunition, political protection, and a network of relatives and supporters to provide food, shelter and transportation in exchange for a share of the loot.
Most likely, while the intent would have been present, it probably would not have solidified into reality without encouragement and assistance, as well as a promise of vindication – in whatever form that took.  In Blackie’s case, he was made a ‘hero’.  Andrew Douglas was described as a ‘martyr’, as were others who certainly have blood of the innocents on their hands.
The attempts to lionise these demonic beings are indications of degradation in the human psyche best described by Dante. Even worse is the continuum of farcical desecration of two national symbols, both sacred in their own right – Guyana’s National Flag and The Square of the Revolution
But what could we call the victims of these ‘heroes’ and ‘martyrs,’ among whom are members of every race, political and religious persuasion in Guyana?
In 1959, one Cuffy was killed by the police after a desperate manhunt.  A policeman was killed during this encounter, while others were wounded.
In May 1997, police shot and killed four bandits who had broken into the home of former Elections Commission head, Mr. Rudy Collins.
Brave Police Corporal Faikall was killed when he confronted four armed men in 1997.
One Saturday night, 24-year-old policeman, Adrian Williams, was shot and killed while investigating a report.
Stabroek News of 2nd August 1997 carried a story on “Armed bandits strike terror in Stewartville,” which told of a Canada-based family who were chopped and terrorised by armed bandits who stole everything, including important documents.
On 31st January1998, the headlines read, “Man serious after being shot in Eccles robbery.”
The headlines of the Guyana Chronicle of 5th February 1998 stated “Eccles residents in fear of bandits.”
The rampages of the “jailbreak gang,” and subsequent gangs, including those of Lindon ‘Blackie’ London and ‘Fineman’, are well-documented.
Cuffy’s own family had refused his body and he was buried as a pauper, because his father, who was a poor cartman, rejected a son who had shamed him by making crime his profession.
But that was when Guyanese were proud and decent, with lofty ideals and high standards, whether rich or poor.
Some sections of society today ‘follow de Leader’ and certain sections of the media do not care if they cause a conflagration in the land if they could satisfy ‘de Leader’ and profit by it.
The contention of CN Sharma, GHRA, Red Thread and the rest of the opposition cabal, as well as elements in the Roman Catholic church and opposition media operatives and others  that the killers should be captured for questioning would be ludicrous if it did not have such serious implications, such as policemen and victims losing their lives or being seriously injured instead.
Psyched by preceding instances of deaths and injuries to ranks and the evasive strategies of the criminals, with ample assistance from a criminal-minded society, as well as the criticism of society and the media, the joint services often have no recourse but a spontaneous conclusion to unrelenting manhunts that span the country, leaving countless casualties in their wake.
Ranks are often engaged in deadly confrontations with criminals who are famous for pulling every trick in the book to make evasive and successful escape bids
Self-defence is an automatic reaction to brutal forces and the unknown factor of possible accomplices that create a climate for a spontaneous response to the dynamics of the battle, which is to shoot to kill.  The criminals made their choice when they opted to pursue  careers in criminality.
Stealing and subverting the truth are both dishonest acts. Some media houses are adept at the latter, regardless of the cost to society.  Criminality is relative, and there are many masquerading behind the guise of “leaders” who are just as culpable as those who pull the triggers; or those who light the fires and cause literal and figurative conflagration in communities.