THE report is in. The Police Complaints Authority on Sunday recommended to the Director of Public Prosecutions that the three police officers in the fatal shooting of Quindon Bacchus be charged. Added to this, the DPP on Monday advised the police to charge the Sergeant and two Lance Corporals named in the probe.

The family of Quindon Bacchus, and the communities which called for justice are witnessing what, caution advised, is not the end of the long walk to justice; it is merely the beginning of another process. But there is sometimes a clamouring public demand from disgruntled citizens who, despite themselves benefiting from a social contract which guarantees due process and presumption of innocence, want a more immediate outcome.
This cannot be the way a society functions. There have been multiple instances over the last few weeks where members of the government have engaged citizens on the need to respect the separation of powers. This separation of powers, which extends as far back as the teachings of the philosopher, Montesquieu in 1748, recognizes that liberty cannot exist where the executive, legislative and judiciary are united in one.

Citizen’s frustrations with procedure are real. The Dr. Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government must, and has, quite skilfully, ensured there is public education on the limitations of government as far as judicial processes are concerned. In Phillipai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), weeks ago, President Ali was at great pains to assure residents there that even though he could not intervene in an ongoing court matter, he would consult with the Attorney-General for an update on the progress of that village’s case before the court.

Similarly, when His Excellency grounded with residents on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor last Tuesday during the destructive protest which erupted there, he had to, again, reassure Guyanese that as far as independent investigations are concerned, it is not prudent for the executive arm of the government to intervene. While the President could not go into great detail, considering the many questions and frustrations coming his way as he engaged residents on that and other matters, there is an established legal principle that justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.

Justice, as a concept, can easily be presumed to mean retributive justice, fixated on punishing alleged offenders. The accused is also presumed innocent, unless a court otherwise determines. With these few inexhaustive variables considered, justice is a masterly dance between swiftness and due process. A much harder pill to swallow for some is that the same justice guaranteed to the victim or survivor is also guaranteed to the accused. This, too, is part of the social contract that maintains a lawful and orderly society.

As recently as Monday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips explained to one visibly frustrated resident during the government’s well-attended Buxton/Friendship outreach that the road to justice isn’t always short. The young woman spoke of the death of her sister five years ago, under circumstances still to be pronounced on, as the investigation is ongoing. It is not troublesome that she would be frustrated with the process; it can also be difficult to ask someone to be patient, when the thought hauntingly lingers, year after year, that an assailant walks while a crime against a loved one remains unsolved. Moments before, Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C. reminded residents of that important principle that restricts the government’s interference in investigative matters; the separation of powers.

As Guyana continues to grow as a nation in its values, there are expectations of both the government and citizens. For the government, there is an expectation that, as far as its real powers are concerned, there will be improvements in the public services, with input from citizens. Outreaches, as have been facilitated by President Ali and his Cabinet, present increasing opportunities for the government to approach leadership more responsively, while at the same time providing pressure valves for public frustration against institutional processes. For citizens, on the other hand, it should be underscored that while we let the systems work, as was charged by President Ali, patience is paramount.