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Too late brought about Leonard Archibald’s fate

Oct 05, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Recently Guyana and her citizens, not to mention many other inhabitants of the disapora had their emotions being jolted on reading of the inhuman fate that befell Leonard Archibald- the 13 year old schoolboy whose young life was cut tragically short after he was brutally sodomised by two adults until unconscious, then had his lifeless body thrown into the Berbice River.
From the outset the perpetrators were identified. There was no need for ace detectives or crime sleuths to be brought in. Numerous individuals, some now in adulthood, related harrowing accounts (during their teenaged years) of abduction, abuse and sodomy and near-death escapes with one of the now -accused. Residents of several villages along the East Bank of Berbice also told about the sex assaults, some of which dated as far back as eleven years ago, and others as recently as two months. There were also others who told about not complaining for fear of stigmatisation.
Voiced in the same air was the fact that the ranks often times dismissed the reports or failed to conduct proper follow up. There was even a case where one of the victims was taken to hospital following an encounter with the perpetrator. It is blatantly obvious to any sane thinking human that here was a situation waiting to happen— A budding paedophile allowed to play unchecked while he sought and caught his prey, never far always within the police radar.
At the funeral some residents including the father of the deceased expressed anger towards the police for their mishandling of the complaints, feeling that if better conducted may have prevented his son’s demise. David Armogan, Regional Chairman who attended the funeral, said that those in authority should take some blame for what took place. At the risk of appearing vainglorious, I daresay I do concur with the latter expressed sentiment.
According to news reports Assistant Superintendent, Oswald Pitt is heading the probe into the claims made by the residents. Talk about – Too Little! Too Late! And if the truth must be told—Had Leonard not died, nothing would have been tried. On a word of advice, hopefully heeded, perhaps in the primary instance the Superintendent should elicit the facts from his ranks (those of similar ilk), before seeking any information from the victims. On a note of query, what is the expected outcome of this seeming one -man investigation?
Of notable omission is any mention of the 2010 Sexual Offences Bill that clearly states thus: “where an offence under the Act is reported to the police, the police shall, in every case, record the report and conduct an investigation”. It also stipulates that within three months of a complaint being made under subsection, a charge shall be laid in respect of the report or the file relating to the report and investigation shall be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.
The Bill further states that failure to comply with subsection will constitute neglect of duty by the Investigating Rank, and the Investigating Rank shall be liable to answer disciplinary charges in accordance with the Police (Discipline) Act.Would this be another reporting charade or would a change be within range?
The Regional Chairman called upon the residents to take back their community from the rogue elements. Such a statement evokes another aspect of inquiry. Where are the community leaders?
What part have they been playing or have played thus far? Notwithstanding, in honour of the deceased, it is paramount that the community unites in pursuing a shared agenda with the potential to curb any further or future scourges. Amidst all the ensuing pain, Leonard’s death should not be in vain.
Yvonne Sam

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