The fate of Oliver Hinckson

Jun 25, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Oliver Hinckson should not be subjected to the same fate as Mark Benschop. He must not be left to languish in prison and suffer the same trauma as our former talk show host. Unfortunately, in the Mark Benschop treason trial, a simplistic and dangerous precedent has been set.

This Government must understand that upstanding political, social and public figures in Guyana, who are controversial or hold anti-Government sentiments, must no longer be treated as pariahs.

They must not be executed like Ronald Waddel. They must not be unjustly locked up without proper due course, like Benschop.

Guyana must revisit the Hinckson statement which the state claims is tantamount to treason. We must revisit his statement and see whether it encourages terrorism in any form.

We must also examine other factors that may have caused a sleight of hand of those who preside over our so-called democracy.

The element of fear that confronts us in these troubling and turbulent times must be faced with resilience.
I can only conclude that it is this Government’s fear and insecurity, and nothing else, that resulted in Oliver Hinckson being incarcerated on such charge.

In my research, I found that same fear of him manifested itself in the previous Government. In my research, I found nothing substantial to conclude, then and now, that any activities in relation to him posed a national threat.

His training and experience in a certain discipline, coupled with a sense of objectivity, are factors which can create fear when excesses and injustices prevail at a national level.

Time and prudence saw Oliver Hinckson not bowing to criminal activities to amass wealth; instead, we saw him publishing his writings on Guyana.

We saw him connecting to young people through sports. We see him wanting to publicly lend advice to help at this critical juncture of this nation’s future.

Efforts must be redoubled by all to ensure that Mr. Hinckson leaves from behind the metal bars of Camp Street.
Norman Browne