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Mark Benschop says SOCU’s actions have descended into a circus

Apr 29, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I’m somewhat concerned about the modus operandi of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and whether its leadership is deliberately creating confusion with regards to the agency’s investigations and subsequent charges being brought against former PPP officials who have committed serious crimes against the State.
Surely, eyebrows ought to be raised, especially with the recent circus of ‘arresting’ and ‘questioning’ of individuals who are said to be recipients of Jagdeo’s sweetheart land deal, at Pradoville 2. This particular circus, has already served its political purpose, and most obviously has disappeared into oblivion.
Again, I’m baffled as to why the agency would rush to charge Anil Nandlall (yes, I agree that he should have been charged and brought before the courts for stealing of the law books) and swiftly escort him to court. Then to have SOCU agents rebuffed by the Chief Magistrate, who refused to have the culprit arraigned. If indeed they’re serious about justice, then they need to get their damn act together. Of course he was finally arraigned but not before the fiasco took place
This very agency (SOCU) was established by the corrupt PPP regime in 2014 (at a cost of approximately G$65M) and its main purpose was to target political opponents, and those persons deemed as Enemies of the State. It was then, Lt. Col, Sydney James, became for obvious reasons, the favored person to head the unit. James also headed the spy agency for the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) that included spying on political opponents, certain activists, and others. And, as a reminder, James was also the main witness in the so-called treason case against Mr. and Mrs. Munroe, and Mr. Leonard Wharton.
Yes, I (and I’m sure most Guyanese) would like to see these criminals in the PPP, being prosecuted and possibly jailed. However, this will never become a reality, as long as SOCU continues with the circus like manner in conducting its investigations, arrests, and subsequent charges. The circus we’re again witnessing with the Anil Nandlall issue is yet another example of the agency’s political show-boat, and with evidence pointing more to political expediency, rather than real justice. Sadly, I’m not convinced that SOCU really wants to see any of these PPP culprits go to jail.
Mark A. Benschop

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