Misconceptions of victimisation on radio

THE EDITOR: In the ongoing expression of Indian victimhood, a few misconceptions are being broadcast on the airwaves without a hint of correction from the folks hosting these shows. The latest bout of hysterical expression comes from the protest at Bamboo Village where residents are agitating for better roads and pavements for their children to walk safely. The police are accused of discriminating by picking on Indian protestors while leaving Afro protestors alone. Anyone following the news will be aware that this is patently untrue. Recently two Afro Trinis were shot and killed by police one in Maloney and another in Carenage, allegedly for simply challenging bloodthirsty officers.

Who can forget protestors being hosed down in Moruga with high power water hoses; the firemen who had come to put out blazing tyres and debris were instructed to hose them down by the police. Most were Afro Trinis and in true Trini style they were wining while powerful jets of water tore at their clothing and flesh. What about the anti-apartheid protestors who were protesting the presence of English players who had gone to South Africa in those dark days and were allowed to play here by spineless politicians who towed the colonial line. Most of the protestors were Afro Trinis and for their efforts many were beaten and arrested by the tactical squad whose officers were mostly Afro Trinis.

The trade unions all have memories of their members being beaten by police batons despite the ethnic composition of their membership. There are also claims that the police did not stop professor Selwyn Cudjoe who had organised a petition protest and had organised a march to the President’s House to deliver it. I was there witnessing the developments. A senior police officer made it known to the professor that he had no permission and thus could not march.

He was also advised by the officer that he and his people could walk in columns no wider than two people abreast and on the pavement; to do otherwise would involve the police making arrests. The petitioners complied with these instructions and no ugly incidents came out of their demonstration. These are the facts and must be stated. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has beaten protestors belonging to both ethnic groups over time, and Afro-Trinis are more likely to be injured, falsely arrested and even killed at the hands of the police than any other group. It is time we get these facts straight.

MC DONALD JAMES
Couva