Leroy Smith and his unrelenting attack on this police commander

Nov 30, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,

Eighteenth century Irish-born politician, Edmund Burke was famous for pointing out that beyond the three traditional branches of government, there is another- the free press.
Burke reportedly said that “there were three Estates … but in the Reporters Gallery yonder, there sat a fourth Estate more important far than they all.”
Burke’s recognition of the role of reporters even back then cannot be lost in the present day context.
The value of the Fourth Estate, and such media houses like Kaieteur News which valiantly led the fight against the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and now the Coalition Government for a better Guyana must be lauded.
We have advanced because of the doggedness of Kaieteur News.
It is a huge responsibility- to be the voice of the people; to stand bravely against the state and take them on. We have seen over time the abuse of the state and its newspaper.
I have been an avid follower of the online news and social media to keep abreast of what is transpiring in Guyana.
Recently, there has been subtle, growing attack on the offices of the Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, by social media person, Leroy Smith.
The ‘Big Smith’ as he calls himself, has been working at different news outfits, gathering knowledge and attaching himself to the police force as the correspondent of this beat. It is what any good journalist would do.
In fact, Smith was attaching himself to former ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, while he was there.
Recently, Smith was reportedly in the news after he was arrested with an air gun. That matter is reportedly under investigation.
Smith went on the offensive. From wanting to name his dog, Marlon, to hinting that an unfortunate, deadly accident with a Christmas tree at Houston this week could be blamed on ‘A’ Division, the ‘Big Smith’ focused his attention on a rank who was accused of illegally escorting a vehicle from the airport.
He even spoke about “Marlon’s poor performance in that position”, a clear reference to the ‘A’ Division Commander.
There were other online Facebook posts, too, clear hints to the Commander.
I always saw Mr. Smith as an up and coming reporter who could hold his own. However, it would not be far out to wonder if Mr. Smith’s close association with a number of other police officers could not have sparked such a trend which is clearly an attack of the Commander and the ‘A’ Division.
I am heavily disappointed that there has been silence while what appears to be a sustained campaign is being waged against such a critical division within the police force.
Mind you, I would never advocate for the stifling of the media corps. Rather, this Fourth Estate must be jealously guarded. Mr Smith must know that he has a responsibility to be fair and write in good taste.
The question to ask is who protects us when the Fourth Estate abuses the privileges which people have died for?
Mike Singh Sr

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