Unforgettable end of the life of Pandit Rishi Bharrat

Dear Editor,
The unforgettable end of the life of Pandit Rishi Bharrat by ruthless murderers has left the entire Guyana shaken, disdained and perturbed for many valid reasons.
His grieving wife and family were paid a visit by the Minister of Justice, the Police, and other Government officials. The Honourable Attorney General expressed sympathies on behalf of the Government, the PPP/C Party, the Police and the Region.
Mr Nandlall, sir, while this is commendable, the public is anxiously awaiting the Police’s response for what may have been an avoidable incident had the Police made a prompt response. This matter is engaging the public’s attention, and needs an urgent reply.
The public is also aggrieved with the leniency of the courts in dealing with crime and punishment. It is so sad that Guyana and Guyanese have to bear witness to this monstrous incident. Could this incident have been avoided if the Police had acted promptly and diligently?
How efficient and reliable are the Police to render help and assistance to the public when it is really needed? How organised and equipped are the Police in responding to emergency situations? Are the Police really prepared to handle the social issues affecting the communities? Are the Police serious in combating the noise nuisance?
Will there be an early enquiry concerning the allegations against the Police, and their failure to fulfill their duties when it was warranted and merited?
What is lacking in this Police Outpost? Why did the senior officials ignore this ongoing issue with so many complaints lodged? Is this the new trend of the Police that Guyanese have to live with? A human being was killed! A life was lost! A religious man was attacked and murdered! A man of God had to defend his family because the Police failed to protect the citizens of this country. A bereaved family is left to mourn the loss of a loved one because he had to do what the Police carelessly dismissed as not important.
The Police, it was claimed, used the most absurd, ancient excuse not applicable to modern day standard – they do not have transportation. Does the Commissioner of Police endorse this echo? A family was in danger and the Police ignored this plea, and the end result is a Pandit, a man who served society, a man whom the public had usage of, was brutalised in cold blood while defending the honour of his family!
What a shame and disgrace! When will the Police do the least decent thing of answering all these accusations, enquiries and questions? These statements need to be denied by the Police as unfounded and not true, so that they can again hold their heads high as knights in shining armour. It is a sad day for the late Pandit’s family and a dark day for the Police.
The public awaits the Police’s response. Will it be forthcoming shortly, or are they waiting for a reliable internet service to read this article? What excuse can we expect?

This is too serious a matter for mere Police shuffling, as may be recommended. A life was lost due to a contributory Police element of negligence and failing to respond to an emergency, lacking responsibility and not doing their legal obligation, their civil duty.
Charging them for gross negligence should be on the table for consideration, and firing the guilty officers is more in line. Forget disciplinary action, which is too lenient. A family cried for the Police to help, appealed for intervention, complied with the law by reporting the bad behaviour of uncivil company, stood their ground with patience, waited in hope and desperation, only to be denied the respect, the regard and the courtesy of a Police response, not once, but on numerous occasions!
In the end, they had to be comforted with a murder scene, and consoled with the death of a loving one who was trying to protect their dignity and honour. They were rewarded with the loss of a life for obeying the law and acting in self-defence. This is how the Police repaid law- abiding citizens who choose to keep the peace and relied on the Police to defend the helpless.
This matter must not be laid to rest until the public is provided with answers from the Police and remedial action is taken. Let no stone be left unturned. We owe Pandit Rishi Bharrat that much.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall