GUYANA | Calls for an Independent Probe in Police Corruption Claims

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, July 25, 2024 - In the murky waters of Guyana's law enforcement, a storm is brewing over allegations of corruption within the police force. As the winds of controversy swirl, two influential business bodies find themselves at odds over who should helm the investigation into these troubling claims.

In a surprising twist, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has thrown its weight behind the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), a branch of the very institution under scrutiny, to lead the probe. This stance has raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging across Georgetown.

PSC Chairman Komal Singh, standing firm in his conviction, told Demerara Waves Online News, "SOCU was designed, in our view, to be that source to do police investigation and other investigation as it was earmarked to do."

Singh, seemingly unfazed by the potential conflict of interest, expressed confidence in SOCU's ability to conduct a "professional investigation," describing it as an "independent agency." He painted a picture of a police force teeming with integrity, arguing that a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch.

"While it has some level of connection with the police force, it's an investigation and those results of that investigation, when completed, obviously if the findings are one that point in the direction that they have compromised the investigation, then at that point in time, I think government, at that point in time, government will review, in our view," Singh elaborated, his words dancing around the possibility of a compromised investigation.

The PSC's stance, however, has put it at loggerheads with its own affiliate, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The GCCI, headed by president Kester Hutson, taking a different tack, has called for an independent probe, suggesting a more diverse investigative team including the Financial Intelligence Unit, Police Service Commission, and civil society organizations.

Singh, quick to dismiss any notion of parroting the government's position, asserted, "I am not parroting any government position. I am very independent as the Chairman and the Private Sector (Commission) is a very independent organisation. You would see from time to time, we even oppose government's position on some matters."

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe,  is of the opinion that “If you want a proper investigation, send for independent people, perhaps ask the FBI—The government has been saying that it has a good relationship with the U.S, well then ask the FBI to conduct the investigation, ask the Scotland yard from the United Kingdom, or ask the Canadian mounted police and I believe once that is done, then people are going to have confidence in whatever the outcome is, but to ask a unit from the Guyana Police Force to investigate these senior people—maybe if it were junior ranks, but when the investigation can possibly touch the most senior ranks of the force I don’t have confidence that anybody here can investigate such a matter,” Slowe said.

Meanwhile, the government, through Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, has stood its ground, defending the decision to entrust SOCU with the investigation of alleged “financial improprieties” as a result of information on social media and established media houses.

This comes in the wake of swirling rumors about an alleged amount of GY$16.5 million deposited into his Police Credit Union account, a claim that has been met with a wall of silence from the official in question.

As the plot thickens, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing the alleged procurement-related corruption as a "big problem." He's called for a cavalry of oversight bodies to "fall in line" and conduct their own investigations.

As Guyana watches this unfolding drama with bated breath, one can't help but wonder: will this investigation shine a light on the truth, or merely cast more shadows? Only time will tell if SOCU can rise to the occasion and deliver the transparency that Guyanese citizens deserve.

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