Dear Editor,
The evolution of the Phantom, subsequently labeled Death Squad, is a
phenomenon derived out of a situation in which villages
were invaded, homes and businesses
plundered, men, women and children
maimed or murdered, policemen and security
officials assassinated, with little or no protection by
the State and its security apparatus.
Nighttime and darkness brought with it unlivable and
unimaginable moments of fear and terror, for thousands
of Guyanese. Added to the above atrocities are
kidnappings committed against innocent civilians, which
subsequently escalated to the kidnapping of a US
security official.
Hence, the 'Phantom' - 'Dogs of War', ready
and willing to do the biddings of a weak and fearful
nation. For the majority of Guyanese, the killing and
elimination of criminals who had created fear and havoc
in their lives is a welcome development, regardless of
the fact that the killing of these criminals was done
outside the law. Logically, as long as the general
population remains unprotected from criminal mayhem
within the
legal
system, they will resort to protection
outside of the law. This is a natural reaction, to any
oppressive social and economic force that may exist in
society.
Regardless of the political morality played out in
Guyana's theatre of politics, the reality of the
'Phantom' will continue to haunt the nation, as long as
the political and security institutions remain incapable
of preventing, the high level of criminal brutality and
violence against Guyanese.
