Latest update December 22nd, 2024 4:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Minister, act consistently against rogue cops

Jun 10, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
The new Minister of Home Affairs (I mean National Security) has mandated the police commissioner to fire a couple of cops whose names were affiliated with wrong doings. It did not go unnoticed that the Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, as a lawyer, was involved in one matter for a plaintiff against one of the cops – a case of selective, self interest justice? It seems more like revenge.
After criticism of his directive, the Minister announced intention to dismiss all rogue cops – that may mean firing 90% of the police force for people has complained about virtually all the cops being involved in rogue behavior.  I support the Minister on his efforts to cleanse the police stables; the stench is unbearable. But he cannot pick and choose which cops to go after.
There must be consistency across the board. Also, cops, like other citizens, must be given due process regardless of the criminal acts for which they are accused; they cannot be fired at the whim of a Minister.
It is highly inappropriate and irregular for a Minister to direct the firing of people – a process must be followed. This process, as the Minister knows, is guided by time-honoured principles, rights and the rule of law. The firing of the two cops is a “resolved matter”. There are more urgent matters that need resolution.
Police officers stood and did nothing while a party’s candidate was savagely beaten – they should be disciplined. A party activist home was invaded and set ablaze while officers stood by and did nothing – they should be disciplined. It is also alleged that the fire officers also did not do all it could to save the man’s and neighbors homes. When will the Minister instruct the DPP to investigate these matters and take actions?
While I feel the police service must be reformed and cleansed of its corrupt elements, the police, as indeed employees at all state entities, must be given due process. There is much evidence to put away many of them. To act otherwise, is not only illegal but unethical as well.
It may be wise for the Minister to reconsider his action in the interest of the wider citizenry. Government must not follow a political path, but a legal path, to justice.
Vishnu Bisram

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Chase Academy squares off with St Benedict’s College ahead of today’s final

Chase Academy squares off with St Benedict’s College ahead of...

Dec 22, 2024

-Petra-KFC Goodwill Int’l Series concludes day at MoE Kaieteur Sports- The two main contenders in the KFC International Under-18 Secondary Schools Goodwill Football Series faced off yesterday ahead...
Read More
Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to showcase Dharry/Allicock fight-card

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to showcase...

Dec 22, 2024

Topp XX, Winners Connection advance to last eight, Botafago crush Net Rockers 9-4

Topp XX, Winners Connection advance to last...

Dec 22, 2024

Regal Stationery onboard with inaugural One Guyana Berbice Softball Cup

Regal Stationery onboard with inaugural One...

Dec 22, 2024

Power outage disrupts Thursday night play; 8 matches slated for tonight

Power outage disrupts Thursday night play; 8...

Dec 22, 2024

Dookie XI overcome North Soesdyke by five wickets in T20 fixture

Dookie XI overcome North Soesdyke by five wickets...

Dec 22, 2024

Features/Columnists

  • Policy-making by neglect

    Peeping Tom…  Kaieteur News- The ease with which Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party... more

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]