Two ranks attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who recently refused a $4M bribe to duck a murder case, were among the lawmen who were awarded for their services to the Guyana Police Force yesterday.
Speaking at the annual CID Christmas luncheon and award ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess, at Eve Leary, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum praised the ranks for their “patience, dedication, commitment and teamwork,” which he credited for their successes this year.
Despite the professional and personal challenges facing ranks, Blanhum said, the
department was successful in recording its highest clearance rate of 70% and also a 22% reduction in the year-to-date figure for serious crimes when compared to the same period last year.
As it relates to the reopening and solving of a number of cold cases, Blanhum noted that they were able to solve a few, including the high-profile Babita Sarjou murder.
Among those present at the event were Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Police Legal Advisor, retired Justice Claudette Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine and the Divisional Commanders.
During his feature address, Persaud hinted at some major developments which can be expected under a collaboration with the Jamaica Police Constabulary. “We are going to see some reforms in intelligence, which might impact the CID as it is today,” Persaud said. This, he added, will positively impact not only the performance of the CID but that of the force’s contribution to security generally in Guyana.
Special awards
Three ranks, including Deputy Crime Chief Hugh Jessemy, who is due to retire soon, were the receipents of “special awards” yesterday. The other two were Woman Sergeant 20216 Benjamin and Corporal 19822 Kamal Pitama.
They were highly praised for their work during the investigation of the murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, during which they refused a $4M bribe to forgo prosecution in the case.
Five men have since been jointly charged for the crime and are presently before the court, while two women, including the mother of the alleged mastermind Marcus Bisram, who is wanted, were charged for corruptly offering $4 million to the ranks to forego charges against the accused. They too were remanded to prison.
The police have issued a wanted bulletin for Bisram and the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has also issued a “Red Notice” for him.
CID Top Performer
During yesterday’s event, ranks were awarded with cash, plaques, hampers or trophies for their work throughout the year. Detective Corporal 18438 Prem Narine, who has been part of the force for the past 14 years, won the title of “CID Top performer.”
Narine is attached to the CID’s Major Crimes Unit. He was described as an excellent field worker, whose work has led to the arrest of several persons, the recovery of several firearms and ammunition, the recovery of drugs and stolen properties.
Throughout this year, Narine has also led several high-profile investigations and has assisted in the re-opening of a few cold cases, which has resulted in charges being led against persons who are presently before the courts.
For this year he investigated 18 murders, seven armed robberies, three simple larcenies, and four human trafficking cases, among others, including fraud.
Among the prizes that were awarded to Narine were monetary gifts from the Gravity Lounge, the Grand Coastal Inn and the Colours Boutique.
The runner-up for CID Top performer was Special Constable Calvan, who is attached to the Narcotics Branch.
