Our police: diversification, reform, reality

Coming soon? Two Opposition Leaders? A woman’s beauty – enhanced? Fake!?

Today I wish to present a very personal view on a specific police-related national issue which, when shared a few paragraphs later, could easily attract “provocation” or robust dissent among some well-meaning readers and citizens.

It is understandable that our Guyana Police Force (GPF), such as it is these days, will constantly attract critical scrutiny. After all it is the daily front-line security apparatus to offer all-round security to the nation’s citizens. Preventing and/or detecting crime, relating to communities is its remit. (“Aftuh God is police!” I would often remind.)

A few days ago reports surfaced that a noble GPF member had actually refused a hefty monetary bribe. That was a needed positive bright spot as the force is deluged with dark complaints about brutality, extrajudicial killings and financial corruption at various levels within. Before I present my principal provocative opinion on the specific issue, I continue with some context – personalised and otherwise.

Through essentially a “grandmother’s boy” I knew of many Fenty’s in the GPF -fifties to early ‘eighties. Related were the Henry’s and Alexanders, proud dedicated policemen all. Quite few, if at all, were there negatives about our law-enforcement GPF agents in those days.

Later, I vividly recall Commissioner Lloyd Barker bemoaning: “Our recruits are supplied by the society out there. We try our best to train”. That was when the GPF calibre and character started to transform for the worse.

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Upgrades, reform - but what diversity!?

Quite recently the force, always justifiably under the national scrutiny - spotlight, has been attracting sustained criticism, analyses, advice, disrepute and calls for diversification within its very make-up and structure.

The Police Service Commission, along with retired veteran professionals Slowe and Conway, have come under notice from the media and interested, concerned public. Especially since the Ali-Jagdeo administration assumed office last year (not to mention two recent fires…) I’m willing to wager that relevant PPP “Big Ones” recall that Brigadier-President Granger had appointed a one–man Slowe Commission to inquire about who allegedly wanted to assassinate the then Brigadier-President. The consequence was the demise of the then Indo-Guyanese Police Commissioner.

One has to be in pure admiration for the work, knowledge and reputation of the retiree-officers Messrs. Slowe and Conway. Even though I feel that Mr Conway is much more wise after the fact.

Now for my primary personal opinion. It has to do with calls for diversification in the GPF.

Funny – perhaps because the GDF is not an everyday Army Security Force, I don’t hear calls for ethnic diversification in that institution. And when I was privileged to interview President Cheddi (’94 or `95) he was provoked to tell me that “it is not in Indian genes not to want to join our police force; look at India!” To this day I disagree with Comrade Cheddi.

The PNC can point out all the Balram Raghubirs and Joe Singhs it wants to, I contend that IndoGuyanese youth and qualified will not choose the local police force as a first-choice career. Why? They do not prefer uniforms like Afroes do. The force today has lost some integrity and character. Indos prefer selfemployment, income-earning and relative independence. Criminals “get off” lightly after even murderous attacks on police.

So even though I accept that in today’s multi-cultural world, multi-ethnic societies must strive for the now– popular diversification principle, I feel, frankly speaking, that Indo-Guyanese will never flock to the GPF - or GDF - for employment. What think you –all? Name twelve Indo-Girls who want to be policewomen.

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What! Two opposition leaders?

You–all realise something? That may soon happen? By next weekend? What?

Well when the People’s National Congress (PNC) leader David Arthur Granger accepted defeat last year he promptly allowed his junior GDF buddy Joe H. to become Parliamentary Opposition Leader. While he the retired Brigadier-party leader - remained in his Pearl home to enjoy all pensions and benefits accrued.

So if - or when (?) – Norton, Van West or Solomon or Basil W. becomes Leader next week-end, we will have a PNC political Opposition Leader and a PNC Parliamentary Opposition Leader in Joe. Ho-ho-ho! (My good old Guyana…) Or will a new leader recall poor Joe?

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Beauty enhanced! Beauty fake?

This little trivial (?) issue can land me in a mountain of trouble from furious ladies. So I’ll merely present it via

From the Brown African Egyptians to the Mongolians to the fairest Caucasians the world’s ladies love (d) to enhance their natural God-given beauty. Whether

questions.

hair, eyes, skin, lips anywhere on their anatomy. So from cute little girl whose mommy does her hair to the teenager quite aware of herself to the beauty contestant, beauticians, hairstylists, fashionistas and make–up artists attend.

So tell me: can’t my favourite woman be beautiful of face and body without make-up and fine clothes? Why is “beauty” so physical? Does not natural beauty beat made-up “Good looks”? Must women always depend on “enhancers - “fake” eye-lashes? Fake hair? Fake fingernails? Even artificial Boobs and Butts!) Don’t be scared fellows. Tell me what you think.

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Ponder, reflect carefully…

● 1) The “South African” Covid variant illustrates why the developed richer world must vaccinate the rest.

● 2) The Ministry of Health here must send health workers and P.A. sound systems into vaccineresistant communities. Persuade, educate why the whole world must be vaccinated if weekly testing is prohibitive.

● 3) Amidst the dispute regarding officially-sanctioned mining around Marudi, Rupununi, last weekend, the South Rupununi rep is quoted as saying: “dis is a slap in de face because dis community gave overwhelming support to this government in de last elections”.

I noted that verifiable fact last year March. So “take warning” PPP.

● 3b) Just 3 to 4 years ago three brothers were shot during a robbery in West Inner Georgetown. One died. Two men were charged with the murder. Two high-profile defence attorneys just gained an acquittal. Wrong men charged? Case not properly proven? Who killed that victim? Oh justice, where are you?

● 4) Last Monday evening three Bajan ladies were overwhelming stunning as Barbados became a Republic at last — the brand new President the powerful Prime Minister and the New hero –Miss Fenty!

Til next week! (allanafenty@yahoo.com)