The ‘Don’ and security

May 07, 2011 Letters

---

Dear Editor,
I just returned from a trip to Cuba, a country that I visited before the fall of the Soviet Union; the period of Fidel Castro and now the period of Raul Castro. Same country, different leadership, different era.
The changes are visible, can be felt as a visitor and as I flew home I wonder what is in store for Guyana in the coming years.
We had the Cheddi Jagan era, Bharrat Jagdeo era wonder what is in store with Mr. Donald Ramotar. I have never met him, heard him or even really know of him to make any judgement.
True, GDP is a good thing, so too is infrastructure development and for sure the environment.
However, unless he sees “security” as the critical showstopper, we are all doomed. We are all waiting, like the people in Guyana, folks who would love to take their family to Guyana instead of Cuba for a vacation and maybe more important companies and individuals who feel security stability must be assured before risking their finances. Is it is an easy task? Absolutely not. Can it be done – big yes? I am reflecting the collective conscience of the people in the streets of Toronto.
Before the government can undertake this task, we need to acknowledge today’s reality.
Each of which needs to be addressed separately; we have youths who feel that there isn’t a bright future with job opportunities, without a good upbringing, there is a tendency for criminal direction. A socio economic problem.
We have folks that simply believe in criminal activities as a way of life. We have professional criminals who have at least the sympathy of the opposition parties and to top them all we have elements of political parties that are bent in destruction and creating havoc to force their way into power.
For a government quite a handful, plus with the anti government media allowed to print and say whatever they feel like without accountability, this makes the reality and perception of security and crime in Guyana – a real big sore. So what’s the plan Don? Here are a few suggestions from a concerned outsider?
1. Acknowledging that an initial political appointment is done with consultation with other party and cabinet members. A question for the upcoming President, is there an internal means of measuring the performance of the appointment say after a year or two.
For example, is the PPP internal circle extremely happy with the performance of the Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, if the answer is no, for sure you know the response of the rest of the country. I am puzzled during the Lusignan massacre, to whom the natives turn to help – not from the Police Chief, not the Home Affairs Minister, not the President but Roger Khan.
This is a reflection of the lack of confidence and the state of security and safety in the minds of the people in Guyana. This is a true gut reflection of the state of mind for the Guyana people.
Even if the government argues “oh but we got ‘Fineman’ gang”. This paradigm needs to be changed for the country to move forward. We need someone who accepts and understands today’s reality, we need a leadership who can come up with executable plans, who have the backing of the entire Police Force, who instills morale with the crime fighting unit, someone who the people trust and the public wants and can count one. Mr. Donald Ramotar, you do not have such a person in place! Create your stamp and let this define your presidency.
2. Like a destructive cricket club, where someone who was there the longest in the club feels they should play in the team first instead of the better player, the PPP needs to evaluate and change their policy with loyal and dedicated members.
A long serving member in the PPP can be given posts that are ceremonial, similar to the action of every major political party in the world but please do not place them in position to the detriment of the country.
I am seeing a bit of movement on this issue, but you need to be more decisive, you are being watched with hope and the country lies in your hands, your vision and your execution.
3. I was in Guyana last year for the cricket and I was stopped by a policewoman in a car as I was slow to put on my seatbelt. She was about to charge me which was surprising but fair, then the driver told me about the short cut, cash bail – he give her $2000.00 and the matter was forgotten I took down her badge number and felt like reporting her and the rest of the folks in the car laughed and said $2000 was lower than $10,000 and this is how the country works. Reporting her would not solve the problem.
Mr. Donald Ramotar, you have to admit this is sad and I am wondering what plans you have to take care of this and similar situations. There is obviously a deeper problem.
I must say that I think the government has made some important key decisions which will ensure a blueprint for economic prosperity like good infrastructure, establish key relations with neighbouring countries like Brazil, choosing a “non aligned” foreign policy and not a puppet to any falling superpower or emerging ones. All we need is the security and safety and Guyana is ready for a takeoff, good luck and the chapter in the history book is awaiting your entry.
Varondeo Singh

---

---