Dear Editor,
Reference is made to article in Stabroek News, of January 06, 2018, and captioned “Former SWAT commander transferred to police planning unit”.
First of all, I must commend acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine for forthright views on those who called on him to “… give the man a break…’’ This is in reference to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Motie Dookoo, now under investigation.

Mr. Ramnarine, has proven that he is a no-nonsense leader, who is prepared to uphold the principles of policing, and its attendant code of discipline that governs the conduct of all ranks, from the senior to the junior levels. Under his leadership, ranks are being read the riot act, for conduct unbecoming, as they should. Of course, such a revelation does speak of the ethnic reality of this country, where it seems that a certain section of this society is prepared to represent its ethnic base, even in the face of serious wrong doings, and who believes that such persons are either exempted or should not face the law.

In saying this, I am not being racist; for there was not a similar response, anywhere from the public, when the previous SWAT unit commander had been relieved of his command. If there were, my position would have been the same, as in this instance, period! What kind of society will ours become, if punishment or not, for wrong doers has to be determined by one’s ethnicity?

It is the well-known brand of this category of constituents’ political party base, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), that has been criticising the State authorities whenever its high-profile members are being investigated, charged, and brought before the court for criminal theft of state assets, etcetera. It is a very bad example that is being replicated among sections of its constituents. This cannot be good for respect of the law, and order and discipline in our society.

It would seem to be at odds with the declaration by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo that persons who steal from the State should face the law. But, such is playing politics, and is not genuine since his utterances and protests each time an Indo-Guyanese party supporter is brought before the court, clearly contradicts his pretense.

Given, what is now know about officer Dookie, it would appear that he had survived in the face of serious infractions, through political assistance during the former political administration. How else could he still be a member of the Guyana Police Force?
This is a tragedy for a country such as Guyana, since it definitely illustrates that sanctions for misconduct of senior and middle ranking public servants should be determined by their ethnic background. This is outrageous, as well as, it is criminal and ought to be condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese.

Commissioner Ramnarine is in order, when he said, “On the one hand: they want to see a professional police force; they want a police force that delivers a higher or a better quality of service. But, at the same time they are indifference to gross wrongdoings…” Such sentiments could not have been better expressed. It is well known, that those are the very persons who are quick to file complaints against law enforcement ranks.

Of course, it is their citizen’s right to do so. However, how can they, presumably be dissatisfied, while on the other hand, they are actively seeking to shield errant policemen on the basis of ethnicity. What kind of madness is this? And what signals are such citizens sending to the general public, particularly our young people?

And to think that some years ago, public oversight of the Guyana Police Force was being mulled! With such persons being part of such an important body, we would have had a manual for how to further degrade a police Force!

Regards
Earl Hamilton