The Minister’s position has become untenable; he should go

Jul 27, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
In the aftermath of 13 prisoners escaping from the temporary holding facility (Lusignan Prison) that reportedly occurred sometime during the night of July 23 and 24, the Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, openly accepted responsibility for the incident, but simultaneously bluntly refused to resign. Two weeks preceding this incident an inferno, caused during a prisoner riot, resulted in the decimation of almost the entire Camp Street prison and the escaping of some 8 prisoners, 4 of whom are still at large, of which 1 has committed the most heinous crime in the history of this country. Almost a year ago, another conflagration at the Camp Street prison resulted in 17 prisoners being burnt to death.
These 3 incidents occurred under of the watch of Minister Ramjattan, but he would not consider resignation as an option, since as he said “resignation was not a word which he associates himself”, and in his adamancy he further stated “I am a fighter and will still be here when all is over”. Fine words, indeed. Editor, when the nation is being gripped with fear and sleeplessness each night, knowing that almost 10 of the most notorious convicts are on the loose, it’s not about Minister Ramjattan expressing his intention that he will not resign. It’s about providing the people of this country a sense of security and peace, something that he has miserably failed to do in the discharge of his duties.
If Minister Ramjattan really wants to know whether the people of this country want him to remain in his job as head of national security, then it’s easy. Go for a poll by an independent, impartial pollster, and ask the people to answer a simple question “Do you want Khemraj Ramjattan to remain as Minister of Public Security?” Yes or no.
The 13 prisoners that escaped from Lusignan did not adopt anything high-tech on their way to freedom. All they did was burrow their way in sodden dirt through a hole dug under the concrete wall. Quite reminiscent of Steve McQueen’s classic movie ‘Great Escape’. With all those visits by those responsible for national security, couldn’t someone have envisaged this happening or will there be another commission of inquiry to determine what implements and methodology were used to dig the hole? Minister Ramjattan said he was “embarrassed” as a result of this incident. The nation has no reason to empathize with him being “embarrassed”, for it has been one mishap after another under his watch.
Editor, with the many former army and police chiefs that make up the senior functionaries of this government, it is not only an embarrassment, it is gross incompetence that the management of our penitentiaries and their inmates becomes an elusive responsibility.
Selwyn Narinedatt

Latest News

The Minister’s position has become untenable; he should go

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Rana five-for and enterprising batting put Bangladesh in the...

ANSA McAL on board with inaugural National Futsal...

GBF unveils squad for 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup...

Someash Boyer benefits from Project “Cricket...

Several athletes and coaches aiming to benefit...

GAPLF congratulates Dominic Tyrell for taking...

Features/Columnists

Morally Right. Legally wrong

Haiti: Tragically Descending into Deeper Crisis

Is the PPP anti-Guyana?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

The Minister’s position has become untenable; he should go

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]