THE PNC has a good crime-fighting record, no doubt about that. Evidence of this is clear to the brutal tactics they employed to bring crime and criminal elements to a halt. As a youngster growing up I am familiar with the name “Eyelash” among other notorious elements, whom I cannot now readily recall, who were taken out by “Burnham’s Police Force.” I use the term Burnham’s Police Force or Burnham’s boys; a fearsome foe to reckon with because they did not hesitate to what was called then “bump you off.”

Such was the name of the game;you consider yourself a criminal and it was automatic you were wiped out. It was just that simple. Even during the kick-down-the- door years of Hoyte, that nefarious activity was brought to a screeching halt, thanks again to the brutality of the police.
Let me mention here that the judiciary came on board as well with some speedy trials and even speedier executions. No one questioned the police, no one questioned the justice system; no one questioned government directives. No one dared to speak, far less write about it for fear of what the consequences might be. This was the situation during the PNC years. Rightfully speaking, there were not so many police killings as there are today because every criminal knew his place. They fully well knew what to expect if they dared step out of line. So, the fear of dying caused those with a criminal intent to count 100 times and before they got to count 99 they quite naturally changed their minds. Secondly, all the print media that operated then were either under strict control or were too scared to speak out. Only the Catholic Standard stood out on a limb and what a high price they paid for doing so. Otherwise everything was peace and quiet. They were not so many guns around nor was there an opposition that defended their use.
 
The same could be said of political opposition or mildly put, “those of a dissenting view” they could not as much as cough up a sound. In Burnham’s own words: “those who will test the might of the PNC would be dealt with swiftly and condignly.”Subversive elements” have no place in a Guyanese society. This meant that those who are now vigorously agitating, the likes of David Hinds, Freddie Kissoon and Benschop (in the latter’s case he might be too young to know of this) but his father who hails from the Corentyne and a known critic of the PNC had to run for his life when faced with the might of the PNC.
Others such as Dr Walter Rodney were not so lucky; he paid the ultimate price. Such was the way of life then. But lest I forget, all of this took place when the PNC was in power or as they would say when they were in control.
Now that they are in opposition, the police and by extension the government are consummate villains and murderers. Criminals are now called freedom fighters, and in the event a criminal dies in the process of the police carrying out its duties, then this is called “extra judicial killings, “police executions” or plain murder. Hitherto unknown terminologies are now commonplace in the opposition benches. In fact, the PNC is known to grant a criminal national acclaim when the notorious Linden London aka Blackie’s coffin was draped with the national flag. Ever since that time the PNC has shown its position, where criminals are concerned. They forgot that they were averse to such activities. But as I said they are now in the opposition and anything that will destabilise or cause chaos in society they are prepared to support.
They are now speaking from the other side of their mouths. As a result of this outpouring of criminal sympathies, those of such leanings are emboldened into action. Not so long ago Buxton was the hot spot, known for its notoriety, but thankfully, they learned their lesson not a moment too soon. However, Agricola a name which featured prominently during the Buxton years, still believe that they can take on the police due to the fact that they have  strong political backing. They are calling on these thugs to take up arms and “defend themselves.” Should I ask defend themselves from what? If this is not unbridled seditious talk then I’d be damned.
Well, I would ask them to desist and turn to the brighter side. A life of crime will only bring them a night full of sorrow.