Army can't fiddle while Rome burns - Luncheon
Stabroek News
September 15, 2002

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Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has described as inexcusable, given the current crime situation, a former officer's condemnation of the army's deployment along the East Coast.

Retired Brigadier David Granger, at a recent public forum, had described the presence of the Guyana Defence Force in Buxton as an absurdity and crazy. He claimed that it defeated the whole purpose of internal security.

However, Luncheon told reporters at the Office of the President on Tuesday that Granger "fails to understand that Guyanese have expectations of their army and their sons and daughters in the military. In times of crisis, Guyanese turn, understandably, to the army."

Luncheon expressed alarm that Granger as a former senior member of the military should take such a public position.

Meanwhile Luncheon said PNC/R leader Desmond Hoyte's criticism of the army's involvement had to be contrasted against his being on record as "advising the anti-social elements in Buxton that their behaviour and actions must be continued until the PPP/Civic government is removed." Now, is Mr Hoyte advising the army [to] go back to their barracks and fiddle, whilst Rome burns?

Granger had said there was no evidence of cooperation between the army and the police but Luncheon said that "the security engagements in Buxton are of a joint nature. Both the army and the police are involved. I am advised, and I verily do believe, that the army and the police are mounting joint activities .." Luncheon denied the situation was deteriorating on the East Coast and said the government will continue to use all of the various crime fighting techniques available to the police and army.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, orders have already been placed for the procurement of weapons for the Guyana Police Force.

British High Commis-sioner, Stephen John Hiscock, at a press briefing on Monday said that the government had requested training for policemen in the management and effective control of weapons. The training is expected to start once the requisite equipment arrives. Luncheon said this is expected in the next three weeks.