Disappointment flows from the Neesha Gopaul case

Dear Editor,
After a patient decade of awaiting the final outcome of the trial of the gruesome murder of a young and brilliant student, 16-year-old Neesha Gopaul, by her own mother and her mother’s partner, the Guyanese public learnt that there has been a reduction of the years of sentencing, from some 200 to 60 concurrent years, by the learned judges.
This case has haunted all the legal authorities, the Guyanese public, the social workers, students and parents. It is a bizarre incident which confirms a cold, callous, cruel and premeditated intention by a woman, a mother and a lover. It exposes that there was no remorse; only evil, devilish and demonic thoughts engrossed in a greedy, heartless and ruthless motive. This story unfortunately enlists all the gory details which can produce a blockbuster murder movie, and they are too embarrassing, disgusting and demeaning to even mention.
But not as an oversight, the findings seem as if a number of blunders were committed by the relevant investigating authorities; and perhaps had there been proper, diligent and prudent enquiries and the necessary remedial follow-up, an innocent life may have been saved, and a scholar may have been alive to serve Guyana today.
Is anyone paying attention? Is anyone listening? Is anyone prepared to accept that there have been mistakes and blunders committed? Is there a lesson learnt from this sad event? What measures are being employed to guarantee that there would not be a recurrence? How safe are children in similar situations today? Are we, as a society, doing enough to warrant the safety and security of our vulnerable persons? Was there something which the neighbours failed to do? Was the Community Policing Group aware of any strange activities? Was there meticulous monitoring from any Neighbourhood Watch Committee?
Obviously, something terribly insane occurred, and there are guilty parties hanging around to feel the pain and live with a heavy conscience.
The review in the judgement and sentence passed in this despicable, disgusting, demented, premeditated murder case confirms that the Court is unprepared to help reduce the crime rate in Guyana. Of all the cases, this diabolical matter warranted the death sentence more than all the recent murder cases tried.
The court has created a dangerous precedent here, has damaged the practice of fair justice in the legal institution, and has disarmed the power of the bench for future trials. It would appear as if something foul took place when nothing went amiss.
The public feels short-changed, robbed of justice, and let down. No wonder criminals do not hesitate to murder human beings, and are not fearful of the weak judicial system in Guyana.
Guyanese are embarrassed, dismayed and dejected by the recent ruling of the Court. This can only encourage a further escalation in criminal activities, and Guyanese will see an acceleration in the rate.
The Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice is again implored to review this debilitating sickness, and is urged to have a significant input with remedial and immediate effect. This outcome can only reinforce the endorsement of the Government to legislate the mandatory death sentence for anyone found guilty of murder beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Will this appeal fall on deaf ears? Will this cry go unheard? Will this call remain unanswered? Will justice not be served? Will Guyanese ever feel safe from murderers? Will this country ever be rid of criminal elements? Will this Government step up to the plate? Will the relevant authorities stop pussy- footing? Will the Courts ever be brave? Will the Bench stop hiding behind masks and robes? Will Guyanese be forced to take the law into their own hands? Will the Police stop failing society?
When can Guyanese be expected to breathe a sigh of relief? When will these enquires be acknowledged as valid and warranted? Which authority is brazening with the temerity to face the bullet?
As usual, these sentiments are only water on a duck’s back! No wonder innocent Guyanese will have to continue to suffer the pain, anger and frustration emanating from a broken legal system, and have to bear the financial and psychological scars due to inefficiency, incompetence and ineffectiveness from a national turmoil!
This is just another comment that will probably end up in the trash bin; discarded, undisclosed and ignored. Such is the sad fate of some Guyanese, who will always pass for grass because of eye-pass and not being an important part of the mass.
Failing to try is trying to fail, and the dangerous criminal situation which prevails in Guyana today is out of hand, out of control, and beyond the administration’s sense of prudent judgement.
People’s backs are against the wall, and they are left with only one choice: to face the music and defend as applicable, because the entire Justice department has failed to come to their defence! Can the Guyanese people expect any change in the near future?
Disappointment certainly is staring in the faces of all Guyanese. There is hurt in their eyes, and their throats are full of voiceless screams! How satisfied is the Minister of Justice with the outcome of this case? Was justice truly served, and can the bench now relax, retire and accept a tap on the back for a job well done? Guyanese are requested to read between the lines.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall