The ghost tape mystery
Editorial
NOW that the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) has distanced itself from the `ghost' tape that was mysteriously thrown into its lap, the authorities charged by President Bharrat Jagdeo to probe the mystery should be calling in the parties to try to get to the bottom of the puzzle. That tape was used to make serious allegations against two Guyana Government ministers, a public servant, two police officers and the owner of a television station and these were being peddled in certain quarters. After protests from the Guyana Government, including expressions of concern by President Bharrat Jagdeo, CANA headquarters in Barbados investigated and last week withdrew the March 19 story it had circulated. CANA said: "That report, published in good faith, was based on a tape recording supplied to one of our Guyana correspondents. "In our investigations, we have been unable to verify the authorship of the said tape. "Further, we have found no foundation for the allegations contained in the tape recording. "We therefore unreservedly withdraw the said story and express regret to all those offended by its contents." The CANA item, based on the mystery tape recording, said a man who was part of the gang of the slain notorious criminal Linden `Blackie' London, alleged that the two government ministers, two cops, a public servant and a television station owner helped "mastermind heists which netted more than G$100M (US$556,000)." President Jagdeo said he had heard of the tape recording and had asked Home Affairs Minister, Mr Ronald Gajraj and Police Commissioner Laurie Lewis to look into the matter. He wanted to determine whether there was any truth because this seemed to be a "ghost tape" and the Police would have to do their work, Mr Jagdeo said at a news briefing. There has been no word since on the investigations and the authorities should let the public know how they are proceeding. The man who was the alleged author of the tape recording is not owning up to it and it has not yet been established how it came into circulation. This issue ought to be treated seriously because it has become all too easy for allegations to be peddled as truth by several persons on television stations in this country. Those who engineer the vicious rumours and wicked reports and get them circulated on these TV stations get off without any sanctions and are quickly on to their next bit of mischief. This society has in recent years come close to reaping the terrible consequences of wicked excesses on some so-called media houses which often cannot hide their real agenda and this recent episode of the `ghost tape' bears all the signs of a `dirty tricks' campaign. The President has directed that the authorities do their work and get to the bottom of this fishy tape recording. The public would be better off with a full accounting after a full investigation - including calling in those who helped circulate the tape because they may be able to help pinpoint the author(s). Levelling allegations of mischief against high government and state officials is serious business.
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