How can Ganesh Mahipaul be so disingenuous?

Dear Editor,
There are fundamental flaws in the views expressed by Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul at a recent PNCR press conference. Those views appeared in one of the local newspapers as an article titled “Police force has become a national security risk – Mahipaul”.
Given the company that Mr. Mahipaul has kept, and the positions that he and his political brethren have brazenly assumed in relation to the last General and Regional Elections, it is no surprise that transparency, truthfulness, decency, and a clear understanding of how things really should be in a normal society would not be part of his thought processes.
Lest we forget, this gentleman comfortably operated in a vortex of deception and misinformation to the public, perpetrated by a number of coalition desperados. It seems as though the ease of misrepresentation that held the nation in embarrassing suspense for five agonizing months has permanently rubbed off on Mr Mahipaul in a manner that has emboldened him to pronounce definitively on issues with which he is clearly unfamiliar.
His assessment of the current state of the Guyana Police Force: suggesting that it has devolved into a national security risk under the governance of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, is — as I have suggested — fundamentally flawed. He has not familiarized himself with the clearly defined workings of the Force, particularly its methods of internal investigation. There is also a reckless crusade for answers to issues that he should know are outside the scope of such (internal) probes, and that are being dealt with by the appropriate entity (the courts).
To say that the Police Force has been compromised by criminal activities at high levels is an assertion for which he should be asked to provide details; and he should not be allowed to wax lyrical about this assertion in the absence of hard evidence.
“Top officers are allegedly involved in various crimes.” How can you be taken seriously, Mr Mahipaul? If you have proof, don’t hide behind the term “allegedly”; it is deceitful to do so.
The MP also speaks of high-ranking officers “reportedly serving as a source for tip-offs and cover-ups that benefit criminals”. Reportedly?
How can Mr Mahipaul be so disingenuous as to assert that Government is failing to address these issues, and that both local and foreign security agencies are now hesitant to collaborate with the Force? And what yardstick has he used to determine that public trust in the Police Force has reached an all-time low?
Contrary to his beliefs, the PPP government knows that the Guyana Police Force is certainly not failing the people of Guyana. The Head of State has frontally spoken to the Force’s hierarchy about any perceived inadequacies, and has demanded that those inadequacies be addressed.
President Irfaan Ali is not one to suffer fools gladly. Any shortcomings are highlighted by him, and the results have been evident. There is no disorder, as in years past.
Mahipaul also warns that the current trajectory may lead to Guyana being blacklisted for financial crimes, thus affecting the nation’s economy. If he is referring to charges brought against Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, it would be apt for him to note that the judicial system has been allowed to operate without hindrance; something that cannot be said for the periods that Mr Mahipaul’s party was in power.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in particular has unequivocally stated, “Let the chips fall where they may”. Mr Brutus is being afforded due process, and there is clarity that neither the Government nor the Police Force is interfering.
In closing, it is hilarious to hear Mr Mahipaul’s vision of the future: that “As the next government, we are confident we will transform the Guyana Police Force into a professional, well-trained and highly motivated entity in service of the people.”
Mr MP, that transformation has occurred right before your eyes. It’s happened at breakneck speed; and maybe because you feel so safe and secure in the midst of it all, you just can’t see the forest for the trees.

Sincerely,
Rolan Allen