Unfriendly behaviour by US Embassy guards

THE EDITOR: The more I cogitate over the behaviour of the US Embassy and its security personnel regarding the Marli Street barriers, the more I become angry. Let me hasten to add that I am not easily enraged. But, I believe that a huge percentage of this population is very unhappy over the continuing unfair treatment and testing of patience of all citizens, particularly parishioners of All Saints Church. Just recently, (August 4 to be exact), patrons at a funeral for Roma Joan Inniss were subject to harassment by security guards on duty, who were attempting to refuse entry of the hearse into Marli Street. Can you imagine how depressing this can be?

This is clearly a case of American plutocracy; the powerful over the powerless. It reminds me of Pharaoh, the Mighty Egyptian Ruler’s attitude towards the enslaved Israelites, — Do as I say! To think that in this modern day, law abiding people who just want to exercise their freedom of worship are denied easy access to their church. While any rational thinking person will understand and appreciate that America must take all precaution and apply added safety measures to its property and personnel, a situation which is created by its own modus operandi, it is difficult to believe that these barriers which in fact are really only preventing a free flow of traffic, can prevent an attack by persons with unlawful and/or terrorist intent.

As a matter of fact, to support this position look at what happened recently in Russia, where a truck loaded with explosives drove through an iron gate and created massive destruction to sick, innocent people and property. Mr Ambassador, I am sure you will agree that these barriers virtually cannot prevent an attack on the Embassy. I think it’s high time for sensible dialogue and compromise for arriving at a solution, that while it may not be ideal to all, but it would at least bring some measure of satisfaction and peace, and in so doing, remove the feeling of animosity that exists at this moment. In a world that seems full of enemies, it is imperative that we work assiduously to create an environment in which we all can be proud and more importantly one that will benefit our future generations.

CARL HARDING
Diego Martin