GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMCC – The minority opposition Working People’s Alliance (WPA) says it will support a commission of inquiry (COI) into the Guyana Police Force (GPF) amid allegations of political interference and corruption.
WPA co-leader Dr David Hinds told a news conference that an inquiry would intend to ascertain the facts while addressing significant issues plaguing the GPF.
“We would support a commission of inquiry into the operations of the police force, and we would recommend that such an inquiry be conducted by a combination of Guyanese and regional experts,” Hinds told reporters.
He said his party believes that political interference is fueling corruption within the GPF and that it is also time for the Force to be depoliticized.
“We think a lot of the problems in the police force begin there with the politicization of the police force, and so, a top priority would be the depoliticization of the police force. Another priority would be the wages of policemen and women.
“Like all public servants, we feel that they are not paid adequate wages, and so, that in itself helps the corruption syndrome in the Force,” Hinds said.
WPA executive member Tacuma Ogunseye said the party would also recommend that the rules and regulations governing the Force be fully implemented.
Ogunseye said that the current government needs to push for the full implementation of the rules and regulations governing the Guyana Police Force because it benefits corrupt practices.
“To have the police be loyal to the government, they encourage the top of the police force, and the police force in general, to engage in corruption, and when these officers become corrupt, they recruit the corrupt officers, and the corrupt officers become the basis of their political control and institution.
“So, while we wait for the Commission, we will quickly move to tighten the system with all their laws and regulations that we have on the books and create a new atmosphere where those who are accountable in the senior ranks and violate their responsibility will be punished,” Ogunseye said.
In recent months, several police officers have faced serious allegations of corruption and other wrongdoings. The most prominent case is that of Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, who faces 231 charges of fraud and money laundering.
Brutus has been released on bail of more than GUY$16 million (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents).
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