Guyana poised for 'Law of the jungle' - PNCR

Guyana poised for ‘Law of the jungle’ – PNCR

May 08, 2009 News

The violation of the rights of the John family of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, requires an immediate, thorough, impartial and complete investigation, said People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Vice Chairman Basil Williams, yesterday.

The assault upon the John family which occurred last Saturday is an additional indication that certain ranks, within the Guyana Police Force, are out of control and need to be made to operate within the confines of the law, Williams asserted.
“It is now in the public domain that ranks of the Police Force descended on the home of Owen and Earlene John and, in retaliation of their protests, arrested and locked up Owen John and his two sons, Fabio and Michael.

“From all accounts, this was a harrowing experience for the John family, an experience that might yet leave serious psychological scars.”
According to Williams, the Jagdeo Administration must understand that “the violation of the rights of our citizens are not only inconsistent with our Constitution but also violate the several international treaties against such practice that it has signed on to.”

He pointed out that the violation of the rights of the John family should remind the nation that, within recent times, the rights of two citizens, Ryan Gordon and Mitchell Thomas, were violated during a raid for narcotics, on February 28 last, in Wakenaam. They alleged that they were tortured by ranks of the Joint Services.
Williams stressed the fact that both the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Home Affairs had promised an investigation into that matter but noted that no such investigation has been forthcoming.
Further, there is no indication that any such investigation is likely to be mounted anytime soon, the Vice Chairman added.

In sympathising with the recent attack on the John family, Williams disclosed that the PNCR is prepared to stand with them until they obtain justice.
“What is clear, from this incident, is that ranks of the Police Force are prepared to violate the rights of our citizens because they believe that political protection will ensure their immunity from prosecution. If this continues, as the PNCR has said before, Guyana will soon be ruled by the law of the jungle.”

According to Williams, the PNCR will continue its calls for the investigation into the recent violation and has renewed its demand that the promised investigation into the allegations of torture by Ryan Gordon and Mitchell Thomas be held without any further delay.