Security Checks at Government Buildings Prove Not All of Us are Created Equal

Senate Prez is entitled to lots of privilege, but who cares anymore?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here must be scores of instances when the regular citizen flouted protocol at functions attended by the governor general. I remember one national awards ceremony when students walked from the back of the auditorium and crossed over in front of then GG Dame Pearlette Louisy, en route to the stage via the centre staircase. The young innocents had no idea they’d done anything out of order until the audience started grumbling aloud and a ministry official materialized out of nowhere to re-route the embarrassed students.

Judging by online comments, and from listening to young people, it is obvious very few of us realize the governor general is the most powerful person in the land. A browse through our Criminal Code reveals that the GG cannot be charged with certain offences. Also that the penalty for threatening the life of the GG is imprisonment for life.

I was surprised to learn from a police officer that the governor general is not to be security-checked. Neither individuals appointed to their office by the GG. I must admit, I have not yet verified what the officer had assured me is the case. Nevertheless there was a bit of a moment this week when security personnel attempted to check the senate president on her way to the prime minister’s office. Perhaps someone forgot to mention to the security that some of us are more equal than others. In the instance the senate president was heard to say: “I don’t see why I need to be checked.” But it ended well when a representative of the prime minister’s office intervened. The senate prez was allowed to carry on, unchecked!

I have been unable to lay hands on the official list of individuals that are free to come and go without security checks. However, I do recall a certain minister taking serious umbrage at Hewanorra Airport after he was subjected to a security examination. I promise to continue prospecting for the official document that says, when it comes to certain individuals playing certain roles, security personnel must keep their distance!