Entering the firefight without protective gear is totally irrelevant

Nov 16, 2013 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
On Tuesday 12th November 2013, I received a call that there was shooting around a hospital I have a very close relationship with. I got some more information that the occurrence was in Middle Street near the shopping centre.
I went to the Hospital and got an update as to what was happening and learnt that patients had to be moved due to the tear smoke entering the hospital from the building where the shooter was contained.
I entered the affected area and saw Assistant Commissioner of Police George Vyphuis, like a real General, shouting commands and relaying information to our Commissioner of Police.
The Commander and many of his subordinates were without protective gear, so was I and many others. These brave police officers and other brave citizenry should be commended in containing this deranged citizen from making the death toll higher. All myself and others were concerned with, was to stop the escalating death toll of innocent persons.
Entering the firefight without protective gear is totally irrelevant! Mr. Kanhai had shot and killed four innocent persons and he had to be stopped at all costs. These persons who shout out about police being there without protective gear are just cowards with bright yellow streaks down their backs.
Should the police have left the area and allowed the shooter to re-enter the street and kill some more innocent citizens?
I am a person who lives and breathes firearms and know full well, that the entrance of a warhead into my skin will hurt or kill, but that was far from my mind while entering the war zone. My only thought is that the perpetrator had to be prevented from taking another innocent life.
To all you armchair generals, stop the partisan nonsense and commend the police for stopping further death and eliminating the threat.
Only an idiot would not know that “Incoming fire has the right of way!”
There were idiots there that fateful Tuesday, they were the Guyanese who wanted to have a better view in apparent ignorance, like they did not know that a stray bullet might cause them not to enjoy the upcoming festive season.
To my brave, deceased friend, Constable Pantlitz, you made the extreme sacrifice in the line of duty, your life was taken by an unhinged person. I will always remember your laughter and mirth. You and others before you will be always remembered for their and your bravery.
To the other families, I share your grief and loss, I can do nothing to give you comfort but you can walk with your heads high and tell others, that your relatives died in the line of duty, in the service of their country and the citizenry they swore to protect at all costs.
Rest in peace all, even Mr. Kanhai. We will never know why you snapped and took innocent lives.
There is just so much the authorities can do to make sure the right persons are authorized to own and use firearms. No amount of checks and balances by the Guyana Police Force could have prevented Mr. Kanhai from doing what he did.
Unfortunately, it is my firm opinion and others, that his family and friends are the ones guilty of failing to act by not reporting his erratic demeanour and dangerous actions to the Guyana Police Force.
I am 100% sure the GPF would have acted by revoking his status as a firearm holder, which might have prevented this tragedy that will be always remembered by the ones who lost loved ones and were present there.
Harold Hopkinson

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