Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me to respond to a letter to the Editor which was published in the Chronicle News and Kaieteur News on May 30, 2018 captioned “Leroy Smith does write factual articles”. Also, referral is being made to an online article dated May 29, 2018 published by BIG SMITH CRIME WATCH, written by Leroy Smith.
In an online article on October 3, 2017, captioned “SWAT Commander robbed of vehicle, gun” which was prepared by Leroy Smith as it relates to Former SWAT head, Lonsdale Withrite, stated that “…was unable to confirm whether a radio set, which is usually carried by the officer, is missing. The radio sets issued by the force are said to be very critical to the operations of the police and could pose a serious national security risk if they end up in the hands of criminals.”

Leroy, in that article, you proclaimed two statements “serious national security risk” and “hands of criminals” which I was merely reiterating prior in my letter. The next day the same online media house follow-up article on the story stated “…he was pounced on by three suspects, one of whom discharged two rounds….” Leroy, are you trying to tell me the “suspects” who were already in the possession of a firearm will not make use of the firearm that was found to be missing from Mr. Withrite’s car to continue to rob helpless and innocent victims, thus increasing crime rate?
Realism tells us that “criminals” in possession of two firearms are considered twice dangerous resulting in twice the damage. There was a letter to the Editor of the Kaieteur News, dated May 18, 2018, captioned “The predicament sparked by the Dookie placement”. The author stated “His (DSP Lonsdale Withrite) wrongdoing saw the loss of a potent weapon into the hands of robbers”. Leroy, what do you think the author was implying? He also stated that Superintendent Wayne De Hearte presently is acting as second in command in [the] Berbice division. Not a word concerning his posting”. Was this move deemed as a promotion by junior ranks paralleled to Dookie’s former posting as the No.2 Sub Divisional Officer?

Also, please note that DSP Withrite was transferred as the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Services Unit; the division that houses “firearms” for the Guyana Police Force. Again, not a word concerning his posting by anyone! Leroy did not seem to conduct the ‘numerous follow-up stories” that he boasted about. It is quite evident that Motie Dookie is indeed special, since several follow-up articles were published with regards to his postings and not the foregoing officers.

Leroy also stated “wherever the story leads, I will follow”. I did not notice any follow-up article(s) by Leroy as to Dookie will face disciplinary charges only/concerns that it was deemed illegal of Mr. Felix to send Dookie on special leave in [the]public’s interest/ Mr. Ramjattan’s opinion of the matter. To emphasize more, follow-up articles that are only of negative nature towards Motie Dookie are being published by Leroy Smith. How demeaning as a journalist! You clearly did not follow or did not want to follow on any comments/ opinion that would put Dookie in a favorable position, since it is of my opinion that you feel that he should be sent home without adhering to the correct procedures resulting in him having a fair trial.

Hence me asking again, why is Motie Dookie being targeted?
Leroy also stated that “The conduct of Mr Dookie while he was a serving member of the Guyana Police Force was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions and a simple check of his personal file will confirm this”. Can Leroy explain how was he aware that Dookie “was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions”. Does Leroy have someone in the Guyana Police Force working for him?

Leroy Smith seems to be knowledgeable about what is contained in Dookie’s personal file. Isn’t this a breach of confidentially and protection of employee’s data? Did Leroy Smith saw Motie Dookie’s personal file? How is it that sensitive information from the Guyana police is being leaked to media personnel(s)? Is information of this nature accessible to anyone?
Leroy also stated that he was the first to break stories about several other officers within the Guyana Police Force. How is it possible that Leroy is always the first to break stories with regards to employees of the Guyana Police Force? It appears as though Leroy Smith definitely has someone on the inside feeding him information which I must say is unethical.
Leroy Smith should liaise with the Guyana Police Force and the Police Service Commission when formed, since he is familiar with what is contained in staff’s personal files. He can assist with the distinguishing of officers to be promoted/ demoted/ dismissed etc. I would like to thank Leroy for highlighting the several other officers and making the public aware once again of officers who I would want to believe have pending matters to be addressed as Motie Dookie.

I was not a follower of Leroy Smith, thus resulting in me not being able to scrutinise work done by him and I must say there is a first time for everything, hence me now penning letters of my views. I wish to say that it is indeed unfortunate that journalists are starved for information, but that does not give one the right to write articles based on gossip or on one’s personal opinion. Truly, every cow feels for its own but also remember you do not throw away your bad for anyone’s good!

Regards
Priya Persaud