LET’s talk a bit about Operation Dragnet, as it seems to be the star of the Christmas season. As the government continues to vouch for their (and Ramotar’s) joint services brainchild, hopes for the bandits get a bit duller every day. The internet was ripe with discussion following the killing of two bandits in South Ruimveldt on Wednesday. Funny contrast though- while many praised the efforts, others condemned their mode of dress. Don’t kill the messenger but “slippers and jeans with no safety gear” was quoted by some as being the mode of dress of the good guys. If that’s true, Dragnet, then shame on you. What’s the point of all the pomp and ceremony if you can’t dress the part?
Human Rights or Wrongs?
A popular discussion also stemmed from the killing of the bandits which evoked a lengthy blog post from activist Mark Jacobs, in which he condemned the continued killing of citizens by police in such circumstances. The mother of one of the slain bandits when interviewed, had also said that efforts should have at least been made to bring her son in alive. In his post, Jacobs spared no detail in listing past cases where bandits were shot and killed in a similar manner all in the name of crime-fighting. Now, while the issue of whether or not the bandits retaliated in gunfire is all still based on hearsay and eyewitnesses, Jacobs deserves a pat on the back for his points raised. His post garnered much discussion and people seemed to sway both ways- some believe they should be killed once they’re guilty, while others agree that human life should be spared and that the police seem trigger happy. As all this developed, both the opposition and the government continued to share lengthy statements to echo their support of citizens’ human rights in honour of UN Human Rights Day… Something wrong.
Blame Game continues
Of course, our politics wouldn’t be the gameshow it was without the ever present blame game between the government and the opposition. Following news of the Government’s move to repossess land leased to one of Jagdeo’s close friends (what’s new?), many have claimed that such case is proof of the blatant corruption carried out by the PPP administration. Of course, the PPP swiftly posted a response stating that the lease was revoked since 2009. Meanwhile, on the PPP side of things, the party continues to call out members of “the other side” for greed and corruption by spilling news targeted at the AFC. The “the most corrupt” post-independence government in Guyana, according to Ramkarran the parties had a field day with their finger pointing and of course, their supporters were gleefully riled up by this. Seems like each side is bringing out their best moves. Let the games continue!