My words of guidance were from the perspective of an experienced security operative

It is with much appreciation in my heart that I noted your article, “Ethnic Relations Commissioner Haji Khan,” in your editorial section dated, Friday, September 18, 2020. I am extremely humbled and impressed, not only because the feature concerned me but the article was very pertinent to the development of our country and ourselves. In general, your article highlighted the truth and realities in Guyana’s politics.

In my opinion, this displays the character of a man I have known for decades. Always professional and a principal patriot of Guyana, whose heart and finger is truly on the pulse for Guyana’s development. Since March 4th, 2020, it is known that I created RK’s Guyana free media, In The Raw, without edits and touch up. Like Mr. Glen Lall and your newspaper, I Hajii Dr. Roshan Khan, must speak the truth and only the truth, so help me God.

The sentiment you expressed in your editorial, exhibits that unbiased heart and feel for justice. The opposition leader, Honorable Mr. Harmon intentionally tried to relieve the pressure off his back for the pronouncements he made. Personally, his behavior was tantamount to encouragements of what was taking place in West Coast Berbice. Look at how this thing started and you would realize that those people who were critiquing were merely trolls and maniacal supporters. Mr. Harmon and the former President, David A. Granger have much to answer for, as neither of them called for a stoppage of violence and never told their people that they may protest but do so while respecting all Guyanese. And, they still have not done it, at least publicly!

Your fourth paragraph, in which you said: “Let us examine man and statement more carefully, in a more reasoned manner. We think that what Dr. Khan put out was what he felt should be embraced by the unattached and uninvolved in any developments that make those persons into targets of convenience and opportunity. In other words, if there is no senseless attacking, then there would be no need for alerting and defending. We believe that where we interpreted the ERC member was going, is either taking reasonable measures at self-protection, or the vulnerable communities resigning themselves to being passive sitting ducks, unable to resort to a basic that is due all human beings.” This shows the brilliance of your editor and yourself as the publisher of the newspaper, Mr. Glen Lall.

Interestingly, it is strange that both Mr. Harmon and the Ethnic Relations Commission statements were in the same article. In my view, and the view of others in the Ethnic Relations Commission, as well as that of intellectual giants in the country, there seems to be an alliance between Mr. Joseph Harmon and elements within the Ethnic Relations Commission, as both their pronouncements and releases were done within minutes of each other. I am a member of that brilliant and dynamic commission and so at this juncture, I will not wish to point finger at it or any particular person – regardless of how much my heart pains.

You were also not wrong when you mentioned the fact that particular people were being targeted. I was speaking to people being targeted, as I will continue to be vocal for any persons being targeted by any group, which will produce violence, hate, death, pains, trauma, economic woes, and destruction to people’s businesses as well. I will speak for everyone and anyone whenever the need arises.

I must state also that some people seem to forget that I am a longstanding Security Operative in my own business for forty-one years and international experience for another ten years. The people who were under attack were requesting my guidance as to how to protect themselves and what to do. I told them exactly what I published, that they must never seek retaliation and vengeance because that can cause serious destruction, pain, and even lead to national civil war. I told them to be alert, keep lights on, be on the lookout, carry nothing more than batons or sticks so that people will not think they are trying to attack or hurt anyone, and to stay in their compounds. I went on to add that if they were in groups, protect all minorities and never be aggressive to anyone but protect yourself at all costs, and to not be sitting ducks waiting for slaughter.

I carry many caps but my words and my heart is forever for love, harmony, peace, goodwill, and even forgiveness. Some of them told me that day, they can bring guns from the bush and they can have their cutlasses and make spears. I told them “no” and decided to publish that message for people to protect themselves with sticks and batons only, but never be aggressive. Incidentally, batons and sticks are legal instruments for self-defense and policing, defending, or protection groups. So my guidance was in the capacity of a Security Operative with the sensitivity for such protection without carrying items that could cause more destruction.

I keep on saying, Guyana is our country and we must live as ‘One Human Family under God’. No one should allow politicians to confuse our minds and our thoughts and to make us puppets of violence and stupidity, while those who are pushing people to create pain and suffering are comfortable in their palaces. So, who are the foolish ones?

As I end, I would like to say that I think protests are good and necessary in any nation that believes in the vagaries of democracy. However, if we step out of peaceful protest and become criminalized; hurting others, etc. then we are destroying our own lives with a criminal record and possible imprisonment. Our lives and our records are the most important things that we can possess, and our country Guyana is for all of us. Let us, as One People, One Nation with One Destiny stand up for justice but continue to live as One Human Family under God by being supportive and responsible for each other.

Yours truly,
Hajii Dr. Roshan Khan Snr