The Guyana Trades Union Congress says steps must be taken to ensure that the Rule of Law and justice form the cornerstone of the society in order to curb the current excesses and establish a modern police force.
The society must seek reform not only with ensuring that Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee respects the will of the people expressed in the parliamentary no-confidence motion but fruition must also be buttressed by structural changes, it said.
“Now is the time for us to demonstrate, once and for all, our determination to destroy this corrosive cancer eating away at the nation’s soul and costing the lives of its most valuable resource – the people,” the GTUC said.
Past experience, as with former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj, has shown that the removal of an individual does not translate into good/improved policing. Similarly, the removal of Rohee offers no guarantee that the new occupant will ensure professionalism or may not be subject to the dictates of a few at the expense of the masses and laws. “In 2012 we are right back where we were when rampant extrajudicial murders and public outcries saw the resignation of Gajraj in 2005. Principles must trump principalities.”
There are members of the force that continue to use the institution to carry out dastardly acts, front extra-judicial agendas and while some are wrongly socialised to think such actions constitute proper policing, others, who know better, seem incapable of demonstrating such. “This conundrum is presently on display with the testimonies of officers before the July 18 Linden Commission of Inquiry,” the GTUC said. Further, it notes that the contempt for the demarcation between policymakers and practitioners; disregard for laws, rules of engagement and lines of authority are currently unfolding. Guyana is at a critical juncture but fortunately it can draw on the knowledge of former military officers in the legislature; Opposition Leader David Granger and shadow home minister Winston Felix to provide the necessary leadership in curbing these anomalies.
In addition, the Disciplined Services Commission Report unanimously adopted by the National Assembly on May 17, 2004 has ensconced the collective input of the society, and efforts must be made to realise these recommendations though legislations. The group posits that the Police and Coroners acts, incorporating the requisite deterrence to curb excesses must also be reviewed.
The GTUC joins with political parties, civil society and individuals in condemning police killings and extending condolences to the bereaved families who have suffered.
