By GHK Lall- Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, citizen, has a right to free movement. The same applies to Mr. Mohamed, Opposition Leader. He does not have a right, though, to encroach on the rights of other citizens. Bluntly, he can drive pass any residence or business. There’s concern, when that’s done again in quick time, and pictures of that place is taken.
For reasons good or bad. It applies in the instance of ordinary citizens, and though the PPP Govt does so (I can attest), and gets away with it, Mr. Mohamed has neither the same right nor luxury. What I don’t wish for me, I don’t like for others.
Guyana National Intelligence chief, Snr Supt, Prem Narine, is entitled to his security ring, peace around his residence. With his rank, and his work, beefed up security isn’t excess use of state resources. I differ from such a representation. Like the head of CANU, Mr. James Singh, Mr. Narine must feel secure, and be secure. Who is comfortable with vehicles circling their home? Taking pictures?
On the issue of shots fired at Mr. Mohamed’s vehicle, it could be: a) overreacting of security personnel; b) seeking to neutralize a believed imminent threat (considering the bullet marks); and c) doing their jobs the way they know best. Mr. Mohamed and his crew being in the wrong place, and operating in what was considered a suspicious manner. Remember: this is the home of Guyana’s Spy Chief and trusted holder of other national security portfolios. An abundance of caution may be best expressed by a salvo of bullets.
In terms of the physical assaults at the hands of Guyana Police ranks, as claimed by the Opposition Leader, this will degrade to ‘he said, she said’ and not going anywhere, nor meaning anything, when it’s over. I could hear the Police with the usual: resisting arrest on his part, and fearing for their own lives.
Regarding the gun found in the vehicle, and for which he claims no ownership, and nothing but a plant, I have one word for him, a man who is as familiar with police procedures, and how matters play out when certain people are involved, and certain outcomes must be, has to carry himself differently. In the course of upholding the law, planting weapons is an unfortunate aspect of crime resolution. Happened before. Will happen again. On this gun being found, I am more inclined to lean towards Mr. Mohamed’s version of no ownership.
It’s curious how issues and relationships develop (or deteriorate) in this town. One moment, there is the staggering: six execution-style murders, and people sit on their hands with the evidence that point and solidify in one person. The next moment, there’s surveillance, shots fired, sharp blows following, a gun found (planted) and jail. From the mountaintop to the top of the rubbish heap. Try figuring that one out. I can’t, wouldn’t even try.
What else do I have to offer on this breaking news and Mr. Mohamed, Guyana’s Opposition Leader? If, what is held against him is accurate (he did admit to the surveillance for purposes of exposing waste), then he is a rather crude and sloppy, if not arrogant, Opposition Leader. How could his actions not be detected? How could there not be what followed? The PPP Govt has declared war on him, leading to hunting season on he and his people, and yet he operates as though he is the master of the local universe. He isn’t; far from it.
In his era of sharp passions, and tense standoffs (courts, streets, local environment, foreign locations), it would be to the benefit of the Opposition Leader and his watching constituents, if he is less about being a hero, and more of hard tiller of the land. Sure, it is rocky and not as sexy as the big public relations scoops, but that’s my silly advice to he and his team.
To the PPP Govt and the Guyana Police, beware that none of this goes unnoticed, and a dossier is being compiled. It is always better to operate within the law, when pursuing targets. Here’s a parting thought, a helpful word: what if one of those bullets had struck flesh and bone in a serious way?
