Too many questions
I HAVE read with alarm in the Kaieteur News newspaper the transcript of what purports to be an intercepted telephonic conversation between Police Commissioner Winston Felix and PNCR Vice Chairman, MP, and attorney-at-law Basil Williams.

Former Police Commissioner Winston Felix

I note that neither has denied participating in the conversation.

The first cause for alarm is the illegal and improper taping of the conversation. No democratic society can tolerate such a blatant invasion of privacy. Once we permit such conduct we go down a slippery slope that is difficult to arrest.

That said, however, it appears from the occasional breaks in the conversation that at least one of the participants was using a cellular telephone. By now most people should know that a cellular conversation is a most insecure way of communicating. You are literally broadcasting to the world. Your voice is converted to electronic signals that are bounced around in the atmosphere.

Anyone with a US$200 scanner available at Radio Shack can randomly pick up other people’s cellular conversations. For US$3,000 you can purchase through the Internet a cell phone interceptor capable of intercepting 20 pre-programmed numbers simultaneously.

With this piece of equipment you can monitor all incoming and outgoing calls on any 20 cell phone numbers, generate a call log, and attach a recorder to record any conversation. The technology is basic and readily available.

So, I would not be overly alarmed about the technical capability of the person/s who made this recording.

What is alarming is the nature of the taped conversation. Mr Felix is sworn to uphold the Constitution and to defend the government of the day. Yet, he is purportedly engaged in a conversation about an atmosphere of fear delaying the elections thereby forcing the government to enter into a power-sharing arrangement with the opposition. Is this appropriate discussion for an impartial COP with an opposition politician? Who is ‘number one’ with whom he is anxious to meet?

Is it appropriate for Mr Felix to counsel Mr Williams to issue a press statement on the Agricola massacre? Why does he refer to the deceased as “you people?” Is he implying that all Afro-Guyanese are PNCR supporters and Indo-Guyanese PPP/C supporters? So, if the deceased were Indo-Guyanese the PNCR should not care?

It is reprehensible to refer derisively to a sector of the population as “putagee.” If someone disagrees with one gentleman he should not cast aspersion on an entire ethnic group. Such conduct cannot be tolerated from a Police Commissioner. We have every right to expect our Police Commissioner to respect ALL the races of Guyana.

At one point in the conversation Mr Felix purportedly stated “I deliberately turn the thing away.” What does he mean by that? Was he saying that he deliberately gave out false information about the Agricola massacre for a political purpose? If that is so it cannot be tolerated. A COP is expected to fairly and fearlessly investigate all criminal wrongdoings and keep the people informed.

Mr Felix cannot argue that investigative rules required secrecy because he was discussing an open investigation with Mr Williams. Towards the end of the transcript he was discussing the investigation of the kidnapping of the Benfield child with Mr Williams.

Further, he shared the contents of a private conversation with the Minister of Home Affairs with Mr Williams. Aren’t such conversations supposed to be confidential? Isn’t the COP supposed to be a person of discretion?

At one point in the conversation the parties seemed to be discussing a presentation pertaining to security at the Cricket World Cup. Mr Williams indicated that his group “had made a good presentation.” It seems that Mr Williams is connected to a group bidding for security services at the World Cup. Is the COP divulging confidential information and engaged in bid-rigging?

This transcript has raised too many questions about Mr Felix’s continuing suitability to occupy the position as Police Commissioner. He should do the honourable thing and resign forthwith. If he refuses to resign a Commission of Enquiry should be empanelled to investigate his conduct.

And, he should follow the lead of former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj, and resign immediately pending the outcome of the enquiry.
RANDY DEPOO
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

Monday, March 27, 2006