Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 27, 2009 Letters
Dear Commodore Best,
I am writing on a matter involving members of the Disciplined Forces, but before I would like to introduce myself in my various professional capacities. I am currently working under three projects which are:
(a) JICA – A Guyana Human Securities Project funded by the Government of Japan that sets out to upgrade the delivery of health care in the case of Infectious Diseases in regions 5 & 7
(b) Music Education – A pilot project funded by UNICEF that seeks to reintroduce Music as an academic subject into public schools
(c) BNP –Research Assistant in the Basic Nutrition Programme
In my personal capacity I am also involved in a unique science within musicology which has as its focus research, analysis and documentation of Guyana’s traditional music. I am also a member of the Guyana Music Teachers Association and served as a member of the committee that resuscitated the recent Guyana Music Festival.
On the 11 May 2009, returning by taxi from a research assignment in Berbice, Region 6, I observed a roadblock being manned by members of both the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force a little beyond the Mahaicony Bridge it was. With the exception of one male in civilian clothing, all other ranks were clad in combat gear, which included assault rifles. It was around 17:30 hrs.
The vehicle was stopped and ordered off the road and all occupants were ordered out of the vehicle. The occupants included the driver, three males (including myself) and one female. The driver turned to the passengers and announced that there was going to be a body and baggage search. No identification and no warrant were produced. I immediately called my employer on my cell phone to apprise him of the situation and a cluster of ranks encircled me informing me that I could not make a call. When I enquired why I was told that I was in police custody. This incredulous statement was so mystifying that I immediately began to protest since it juggled my imagination as to what crime I had committed to warrant being placed in police custody.
In the midst of this I enquired on what grounds was this search being conducted and the rank (we will never know whether he was in fact a member of the GDF or GPF since he was in civilian clothes) informed me that it was his right to search whomever he feels. I, in return, informed him that I was well within my rights to question his actions. I further pointed out to the rank that it was only in a police state that his statement would have had any validity. He then proceeded to conduct a body search on the driver and then on me. He told to place my hands on the top of the car, which I did. I was further told to spread my legs. At this juncture a member of the Defence Force, apparently not satisfied with the width of my legs fired three to four kicks at the bottom of my right leg just above the ankle, at the same time shouting “Spread yuh legs, Spread yuh legs.” I immediately turned and confronted him demanding that this assault be stopped. He stopped and stepped away. The civilian rank then continued to search the bags of all passengers.
I know not whether the female passenger was searched since she was placed on the other side of the car and as far as I could see there was no female rank in sight.
In light of what has been stated above and the ranks’ total abdication of proper procedures I have come to the conclusion that:
• Human and Constitutional rights have absolutely no meaning
• this is a case of criminal profiling
• the Forces are convinced that they are well protected hence the willingness to be arrogant and brutal at that
Commodore Best, as I replay this astonishing and totally unexpected episode of my life, images of what has recently transpired to individuals at the hands of the ‘Disciplined’ Forces flashed across my mind. But perhaps the most telling was an event that occurred many years ago.
On the 16th November 1989 six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter were murdered by members of the El Salvador military.
There was a memorial service held in their honour at the Sacred Heart Church Main Street. Present at this service was Dr. and Mrs. Cheddi Jagan. I vividly recalled Fr. Malcolm Rodriguez describing what information came out on that horrific incident. The soldiers had set up a roadblock and allowed no one in and no one out. Then they carried out their bestial act. Sir, El Salvador was at that time considered a police state.
Rohan Sagar
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
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