Dear Editor

The sooner a government accepts the political concept of Vox populi, vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God) the greater is its chances of retaining its privilege (note I did not say right) to govern its people. This is especially so in an era in which the people are becoming more and more politically aware of local and global issues and events.

And though I’m aware that a government or leader must be willing to take advice from his people or advisors, I’m also aware that, at times, he is forced to act on his own initiative and resolve. But a leader or government that constantly disregard the voice and advice of the people and acts doggedly on his own resolves takes the form of a dictatorial Leader or government.

It is frightening to note that our government is more and more assuming this form.

We saw it in the VAT issue, we saw it in the casino gambling issue, it is showing up in the Stabroek News issue and now it is playing out again with the Bernard Kerik issue.

After all the protest by the Guyanese people against Mr. Kerik’s appointment as advisor on crime to the President, one would expect that the President would reconsider the appointment of Mr. Kerik. But no, the voice of the Guyanese people is of de minimus import to His Excellency.

Now let me take this opportunity to appeal to the Guyanese populace and to the African community in particular to not let up in your protest against the appointment of Mr. Kerik.

Of all the infringements and justifiable accusations leveled against Mr. Kerik there is none that is as ghastly and horrible as Mr. Keriks decimation of Afro-Americans youths in New York and Philadelphia in his “ Operation Safe Street ” campaign. One of the most infamous cases to his discredit is that of Amadou Diallo, who was shot at least 41 times by police acting under Mr. Keriks direction. The brother was shot so many times that bullet holes could be seen on the sole of his feet. The sight of riddled-body Diallo after Kerik and his boys riddled him was unbearable for any human being. And because of his success in killing Afro-Americans, which is euphemistically termed as cleaning up the streets, he was promoted to head the US Police Force in Iraq.

It is somewhat baffling that Edgar Henry, a NY residence did not mention this in his letter against Mr. Kerik’s appointment in the Kaieteur News on 8th Febuary. This was a relatively recent occurrence and should still be fresh in the mind of any New Yorker.

The President’s insistence on the appointment of Mr. Kerik is evidence of the non-existence of the will of the Government to improve our race relations in Guyana and could lend credence to the perception (reality?) by Afro-Guyanese that the present administration is intrinsically anti-African.

Ras Ashkar