I survived and this is my story

Nov 18, 2017 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Due to the unprofessional conduct by members of the Guyana Police Force stationed at the East Ruimveldt Outpost on January 13th, 2016 – the day that I was beaten on my head with a hammer and left to die – my assailants were never arrested or charged.
For nine months I have gone around in circles in my quest for justice. I have written letters to the Police Commissioner, c.c. to the Minister Of Public Security, the Commander of A Division Brickdam Police Station and the Guyana Human Rights Association (G.H.R.A).
Articles were published in the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News and letters to the Editor, as well as circulated on the internet, yet I have been denied justice. The blow has had considerable effect on me with periodic pain, loss of memory and blurriness of vision, which will require overseas medical treatment.
I had written to H.E President David Granger outlining what had transpired and soliciting financial support from the Government to undertake a trip to São Paulo, Brazil for advance medical treatment at São Camilo Hospital.
I got no assistance from the President or the Government of Guyana. Months after I received a letter from the Ministry of Public Security stating that an investigation was carried out, but the reason why the matter is not before the court is because the man “is not arrested and no one seems to know the whereabouts of him. It is therefore recommended this matter should be closed.” signed Investigating Rank.
I find the police investigation very unsatisfactory, inconclusive and half-baked. I can now categorically state, given the manner in which the police have investigated and closed my case, that had I succumbed to the blow, my case would have gone down among the hundreds of cold cases of my fellow Guyanese who were killed, their loved ones denied justice and left to mourn the loss, while the murderers walk free!
This scant regard for human lives has become a norm in Guyana and has rendered the fundamental right to life, security of the person, and protection by the police, sheer hogwash. It is as though we have returned to a state of savagery.
As an Artist I have served my country for 35 years with distinction nationally and internationally, promoted the Visual Arts, and the need for National Unity. I constructed and donated to the Guyanese nation the National Unity Monument at a time when the major political parties’ platforms were preaching racial division.
I have promoted in Brazil, Guyana’s Continental Destiny, placing Guyana as a major player in Latin America, Caribbean Integration without the support of the Government or their institutions.
My take is that given the nature of our political culture, the political parties (and this also means the coalition) have no respect or regard for the contributions of the citizens of Guyana. Had it been a member of the ruling elite, the Guyana Police Force would have left no stone unturned to find the assailant. We all live in this country at our own risk; Today for me, Tomorrow for you. I survived and this is my story.
Desmond Alli
General Secretary of Guyana United Artists

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