Home Affairs Ministry condemns police’s use of excessive force

– opposition parties welcome approach

In light of numerous incidents involving the use of excessive force by police ranks, the Home Affairs Ministry has now come forward to condemn their actions. The Home Affairs Ministry stated that the use of force by ranks is against the force’s Standing Orders, which speak of the use of instruments to guide the actions of its members. The ministry contended that its members must at all time act within the confines of the law, when carrying out their respective duties.
Nonetheless, the ministry has assured the public that members who are found in breach of the regulations will be prosecuted fully.
That aside, the Guyana Police Force has given surety that it will embark on measures to address its shortcoming.
For quite some time, the Guyana Police Force has been trying desperately to rebuild its relationship with the public, but its efforts seem to be eroded by reckless elements in its employ. The Home Affairs Ministry said a probe has been launched, and it will ensure that justice is served where need be, while extending condolences to the families of those affected, and who lost their lives due to the irresponsible actions of some ranks of the police force.
An analysis is being conducted on the current training, methodologies, anti-crime patrolling arrangements and general supervision of ranks during patrols to identify issues. This would also involve the process of rationalisation of the functions of the anti- crime units, which are tasked with the suppression of crime in the country.
However, the Alliance For Change (AFC) in their weekly press briefing on Wednesday, stated that the statement issued by the ministry is a welcoming one, but is long overdue. AFC executive Nigel Hughes said the ministry needs to be proactive in carrying out its mandate.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Granger complemented acting Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn for his straightforwardness and professionalism.
He said that despite Benn being in the seat for a few days, he has a sound evidential foundation, and was able to observe things within the Guyana Police Force. “This is what we have been asking for the last six years… we need to change the minister, we need to reform the force… too many things are going wrong,” Granger posited.
The opposition leader further stated that Benn has the right approach, and should take the issues to his Cabinet colleagues for further discussions. He also noted that as a citizen, he would like to see changes, and more importantly, a halt to all the killings that have been committed recently by members of the Guyana Police Force. “We have had a Security Reform Action Plan… we have had a National Drug Master Plan, which has not been implemented… We need someone to push these reforms,” Granger stated.
In addition, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in a statement expressed its concerns about the reckless actions by members of the Guyana Police Force. The GCCI said the killing of Shaquille Grant and Dameon Belgrave represents a breakdown in the force’s management team, and urged that its top managers go back to the drawing board and ensure that protocols are observed and ranks honour their responsibility.