Government must produce the ‘spy equipment’ with accompanying documentation

Aug 02, 2009 Letters

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Dear Editor,
The credibility of either the Government of Guyana or the Government of the United States has been totally shattered in the eyes of Guyanese everywhere.
Friday’s Kaieteur News (31-07-09) featured a photograph of the ‘spy equipment’ used by Roger Khan being wheeled into a New York Court, and in your article, carrying the by-line of a reputable Guyanese journalist, Enrico Woolford, reported that the representative of the British company indeed verified that the equipment was that sold through its US sales outfit to the Government of Guyana.
Not too long ago, and I believe on more than one occasion, President Jagdeo had told the Guyana media that this equipment, seized by the Joint Services some years ago, was in the possession of the Guyana Police Force.
Given what has transpired in the US Court, President Jagdeo must now have the Guyana Police Force (GPF) produce this equipment, thereby demonstrating to the world that the Americans are nothing but ‘ruthless liars’.

If the public does not see photos and accompanying indisputable evidence of the equipment produced by the GPF for the local media to inspect, and I know you will publish same once the equipment is produced, then Guyanese, wherever they are, must embark on legitimate and non-violent action to register their disgust with a ruthless, dishonest government.
If the Guyana Government cannot be truthful on an issue about its possession of a piece of equipment, knowing fully well that its misinformation could easily be exposed, especially by a foreign government, then I am of the view that it lacks the moral authority to govern.
However, I am not yet indicting the Guyana Government. It may well be the US that is fabricating evidence, though based on the recent Court testimony, it would take a carefully orchestrated plot of significant proportions, to so do.

The Government of Guyana must produce the equipment with accompanying documentation forthwith or seriously start the process of demitting office by inviting the United Nations to supervise the composition and installation of a caretaker government within 45 days.
This caretaker government should not include politicians and any member serving therein should not be allowed to hold any political office for a period of five years following the expiration of the life of the interim government.
Even the credibility and sincerity of the process of stepping down and installing an interim government cannot and will not enjoy broad public confidence, including that of the UN and the rest of international community, if Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who it is said bought the equipment, as well as Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, who must have informed the President that the equipment was in the GPF’s possession, remain part of the government while this process is being undertaken.

The life of this interim government should not extend beyond the due date of the next general election, which all political parties, including the PPP/C must be allowed to contest.
It also emerged during the testimony that the idea was advanced about kidnapping the wife of an American diplomat. This is a serious matter.
With all the revelations emerging from the New York court case, the fire at the Ministry of Health, arrests of suspects, an outraged opposition and undoubtedly skeptical public, the PPP/C must do what is necessary to avoid any escalation of tension and to cushion the international embarrassment it would have brought on itself and Guyanese everywhere, if it fails to produce the ‘spy equipment’.
It would not be just this one case of the deliberate diversion from the truth that occasions the resignation of the government.

This one case simply confirms what so many Guyanese and others had been alleging for long, and about which so many like me were giving the government the benefit of the doubt, until now.
Mr. President, you need to embark on this process now. It’s a hard decision to take, especially since yours is a legitimately elected government. But if you don’t, the consequences could be grave for all Guyana. Your decision to step down, by the way, will not allow you to use the opportunity to seek re-election in 2010. Your two terms are up!
If in fact it is the US Government that has not been truthful, and it is so proven by your display of the genuine Roger Khan equipment, then I’m sure many Guyanese in the Diaspora will join me in registering our disgust over our government’s character assassination of the country of our birth, and its government, and in seeking appropriate redress.
Wesley Kirton

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