Guyana Observer News

Guyana Observer News Editorial

Recently, when there was an upsurge in corruption in the Guyana Revenue Authority; Mr. Bharat Jagdeo decided to make full use of the “lie detector test”. This was in an effort to rid the administration of corruption. We are of the opinion that the genuine source of corruption is not only stemming from the CANU officers but also from high ranking officers in the Guyana Police Force and in many Ministries of government. Henry Greene should lead by example: becoming the first senior rank of the Guyana Police Force to take the test, followed by Steve Merai.

We all deem that honesty and transparency is the best policy. Governmental officials’ involvement in criminal activities is no secret, and it does not require a crime strategist to elucidate this. Since we lead by example, why the Commissioner of Police has not taken the lie detector test? After all it should not pose a problem, if he has nothing to hide. Surely he will not want to admit such ghastly acts of violence to the Guyanese people. We are very curious as to why a high ranking officer’s visa is being revoked; it is understandable, it is because of his involvement in the drug trade. Mr. Greene has denounced all ties with organized crimes and relations to drug traffickers. He has outlined his dire hope of ridding the force of all corruption. Why is he not pressing with the truth surrounding the issue at Lindo Creek. What happened to the witness and what he has to say; is it that something is being covered up. Mr. Greene cannot tell us, he does not know the truth into the gruesome tragedy at Lindo Creek and at the Bartica massacre. But knows to himself that all of them are involved in extra judicial killings, money laundering and drug trafficking.

 Is it not a coincidence that Steve Merai is still a member of the Guyana Police Force, or is it because most of the high ranking officers are a part of the drug trade? Recently a complaint was leveled by a city businessman accusing Steve Merai of wanting to take a bribe from him. Certainly, Mr. Merai refuted these claims but was perplexed when the businessman supplied evidence via a tape with his voice [Steve Merai] asking for a large some of cash. Is that not enough evidence of corruption to get rid of him? An independent investigation was launched, which revealed the businessman as a deportee from the US who has served time for being in possession of marijuana, cocaine, impersonating people, in possession of illegal firearms, among many other forms of criminal activities.

The businessman is no stranger to Mr. Merai, and the fact that the alleged drug dealer ( so called businessman) is a deportee and is the son in law of Senior Counsel Mr.. Ashton Chase who is a senior member of the PPP. It is no secret that members of the ruling party and not involved in these criminal activities.. It is quite funny that, as soon as a black man in being incarcerated, he is labeled a criminal, but even though the evidence are pointing to the drug leader he is still termed a businessman. The same thing with Roger Khan, in the US , he is known and reported as a drug lord, but in Guyana he is known as a business man. The incumbent administration has acknowledged that they were aided many times by Roger Khan. Who are the real criminals, is it the innocent youths or those in high position. Who has established connections with these high profile gangsters, it is not the young black youths, and it is people in esteemed positions.

Should Mr. Merai not take the lie detector test and suffer the same fate as those CANU officers who failed the test, or the government has something to hide. Has anyone ever tried questioning why Mr. Merai was deported from Canada ; it is evident that he was deported because of his involvement in the drug trade. A man who has proven to be vindictive, corrupt and was recently accused of homicide is now an Assistant Commissioner. I wonder what it means in the oath of office “to discharge all ... duties faithfully according to law...”

The same thing happened with the previous Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, who unleashed one of the bloodiest gang war and murders in this country. He is not in prison, paying for what he did to innocent people but is rather an ambassador to Guyana . Mr. Luncheon who is responsible for the Joint Intelligence Committee should have some knowledge about the phantom squad and the misleading in the Guyana Police Force. But as we said earlier, all are involved. Not only the people in CANU should take the lie detector test, all the ministers and parliamentarians including the president should take the lie detector test. The government should do us all a favor and allow everyone to take the lie detector test.