While indicating that he hasn’t received any more information from Police Commissioner, Leslie James about the findings of the audit into the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said yesterday that he will ask the top cop about the issue today.
It has been weeks since the audit into grave financial mismanagement was completed. The final report, which recommended the immediate transfer of SOCU head, Sydney James, was seen by James before it was sent for legal advice.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Ramjattan referred this newspaper to the Commissioner. He stressed that “sometimes thing go very slowly” and people have a right in such circumstances to ask questions. It is the Commission, to answer those questions and address concerns.
Efforts to raise the issue at recent press conferences hosted by James have been futile.
Observers continue to question the inaction of the Commissioner, who ordered the audit back in February and warned that this could further damage the unit’s credibility.
Stabroek News was previously told that the SOCU’s head’s contract expires later this year and it is unlikely to be renewed. It appears as though those in authority want to wait out this period. However, sources say that this will be “a slap in the face” as the audit made serious conclusions.
According to information gleaned by Stabroek News, the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Audit Department during its investigation, uncovered serious irregularities, including the falsification of records. The auditors found invoices from several business places that were duplicated or tampered with, fraudulent double entries, and false entries. Immediate transfer was recommended for James and his secretary. Fraud investigation was also recommended.
Ramjattan previously said that the “damning” findings of the audit require the “shifting around” of persons and possibly firings and that it is the Commission who will have to take action.
