An errant officer attached to the Surveillance and Anti-Smuggling Section (SASS) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was reprimanded and transferred to another section following an altercation with a civilian several weeks ago.
This newspaper had reported on August 9 that the GRA employee was involved in an altercation with a civilian outside a popular night spot in the city in mid–July and the police were later called in after the man drew his firearm.
The GRA in a release yesterday stated that the employee, who is a former member of the Guyana Police Force, was rebuked for poor judgment during the incident.
GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur stated that “our integrity must never come under scrutiny. Rogue officers will be dealt with in a condign manner.” Sattaur further emphasised that maintaining the integrity of the body will continue to be his primary concern.
The release stated that Sattaur was concerned that this newspaper had publicised the issue, while noting that such actions could compromise the investigations before they are completed. He said it was unfortunate and a lack of journalistic ethics that the newspaper did not check with the GRA to ascertain the facts.
This newspaper had reported that ranks from the Brickdam Police Station had taken possession of the firearm, which was issued to the officer in question after he drew the weapon during an altercation with another male.
The matter also engaged the attention of the courts, while the officer in question remained on the job. A source had noted that the employee was issued a firearm after only being on the job for some three months, less than the standard 6-month probationary period before a firearm is issued.
