Dear Editor,
Earlier I referred to a very popular column a few generations ago entitled; “Believe it or Not” by Ripley, it referred to unbelievable and sometimes silly things that took place, as some put it in a crazy world. This came to mind when I learnt that a government agency asked the police to seize vehicles sold by the Mohammed to someone, because the vehicles had bulletproof windows and other security features.
I have been in public life since before 1953 when as teenager I joined the struggle for independence.
In 1962 I became General Secretary of the People’s National Congress and I am aware that before and after independence, persons on all sides of our political divide acquired and used vehicles that were bulletproof, and there was never a thought that we were breaking the law. I am therefore bewildered, bothered, and bewitched that our government is now deeming vehicles that are bullet-proofed and has other security features as illegal. I am no lawyer, but if this is not a political witch hunt why didn’t pre and post Independence commissioners of police not intervene in what we assume to be a normal practice?
As a citizen I hold a brief for no one, but the absurdity of this recent adventure by government is unbelievable. The other steps of sheer stupidity are that when the government unleashes its power in a matter that, as far as I can recollect, was never deemed illegal nor an issue, it makes the victim a hero, and adds to the victim’s popularity and appeal. Steps of sheer stupidity by a government that has so many other important issues such as corruption, crime, cost of living, and a failure to involve representatives of all the people in the present Venezuela Guyana contortion. Even more surprising is that the government has a plethora of highly paid advisors, all these high-paid advisors are they enjoying sinecures?
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
