GUYANA | Home Affairs Minister Benn Lambasts Guyana Police Force, Sparking Debate on Reform and Political Interference

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana, July 17, 2024 -  Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn is today being severely criticised for his scathing attack on the Guyana Police Force during a symposium at the Police Officers' Mess on Tuesday, exposing a litany of failures and corruption within the organization.

In a blistering critique, Benn lambasted the force for its endemic corruption, unprofessional conduct, and abysmal service standards. "Our police force has become a den of thieves and extortionists," he declared, his voice dripping with contempt. "You've turned public service into a racket, squeezing bribes from the very citizens you're sworn to protect."

Addressing a symposium at the Police Officers' Mess, Mr Benn bemoaned the practice of allowing complaints to escalate so that members of the public have to resort to bribing police for matters to be addressed. "Police must help people. Police must not extort people. Police must not wait for things to build up and get worse and then intervene, only to put or find people in a situation where they have to pay money, where they have to pay bribes. This must stop!" he said.

The Minister's disgust was palpable as he addressed the assembled officers. "Look at yourselves," he sneered, eyeing their gaudy jewelry. "Parading around like drug lords with your gold chains and diamond rings. It's a neon sign advertising your corruption. You might as well wear price tags!"

The Minister's critique covered several key areas:

1. Corruption: Benn strongly condemned bribery within the force, insisting that officers must cease extorting citizens.
2. Professionalism: He criticized senior officers for wearing excessive jewelry, suggesting it implies susceptibility to bribery.
3. Facility Maintenance: The Minister expressed disgust with the poor upkeep of police stations, particularly emphasizing the need for clean public restrooms.
4. Public Interaction: Benn stressed the importance of respectful communication with the public, noting that proper conduct is crucial.
5. Patrol Strategies: He called for the reinstatement of foot and canine patrols, particularly in high-risk areas like the Stabroek Market vicinity.
6. Law Enforcement Priorities: The Minister highlighted the need to tackle noise pollution, traffic violations, and transnational crimes such as cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking, and gun-related offenses.

The Minister didn't hold back on the force's apparent incompetence either. "You've abandoned your duties," he accused. "No foot patrols, no presence where it's needed. The Stabroek Market area is a cesspool of crime and drugs, and you're nowhere to be seen. Are you afraid, or just too lazy?"

The Minister acknowledged ongoing investments in equipment, infrastructure, and training but emphasized that these improvements must be matched by enhanced service quality and professionalism.

However, Minister Benn's critique has reignited a complex debate about political interference in law enforcement. Critics argue that while his concerns may have merit, the government's approach to addressing these issues could be problematic.

They point to a 2021 statement by Paul Slowe, former Assistant Commissioner of Police and ex-chair of the Police Services Commission, which raised serious concerns about government overreach. In a letter to the editor, Slowe warned against "unprecedented interference" in the Force by the government.

Slowe argued that the administration was "weaponizing" the police to target perceived non-supporters and those who maintain professional independence. He stated, "The Government should discontinue the weaponization of the Force to go after perceived non-supporters and others for no other reason than they remain professional and do not acquiesce to political demands."

Furthermore, Slowe emphasized the need for operational independence, writing, "The Minister of Home Affairs must stay out of operational matters in the Force, which are the sole preserve of the Commissioner of Police. Those matters include transfer/posting of ranks and countermanding legitimate instructions from the Commissioner to his subordinates."

This perspective suggests that while Minister Benn's criticisms may highlight genuine issues within the police force, the government's approach to addressing these problems could potentially undermine the force's operational independence.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between political oversight and law enforcement autonomy. As Guyana grapples with these complex issues, the path forward remains uncertain. The challenge lies in improving police conduct and effectiveness while ensuring the force remains free from undue political influence - a balance that has yet to be struck to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

As the debate continues, many observers stress the need for a comprehensive, non-partisan approach to police reform that addresses both misconduct within the force and potential political interference, ensuring that any changes serve the best interests of the Guyanese people and uphold the principles of justice and good governance.

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