Dear Editor,
It is commendable that His Excellency is planning to improve the housing of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Officers and provide them with an opportunity to improve the standard of living of their families via house lots and bonuses.
However, “Pay for Performance” should take precedence over the act of such generosity when taking into account both the history and the current level of lawlessness in our society. I have learned first-hand how much disregard and neglect by even some of the highest levels of the GPF is given to the station reports, the call centre, and the email system. Clear and achievable stretch goals & targets must be set to ensure the level of performance within the Police Force is quickly improved. When the term “Officer Tek a Bribe” is no longer commonly used when referring to the Police and a blind eye to corruption within the GPF is eliminated, then and only then should the force be substantially rewarded for their efforts and results. There has been little to no progress over the years and in many areas a significant deterioration in performance. Many citizens and fellow ranks have witnessed teamwork in negligence and disregard for established and lawful police procedures. Even simple tasks such as checking for a driver’s licence, executing against bench warrants and interrogating known suspects who have criminal records have proven to be a challenge to many officers who fall into the category of “Officer Tek a Bribe”.
Therefore, it behooves us to ensure we only reward those whose performance records within the GPF are clean and whose efforts bring forth the results that we seek in safety & security while developing an atmosphere of team work worthy of honour. A strong force is reflected in the actions, attitude and character of its leadership. The recent liquor scandal involving a senior officer and the many who are also implicated needs to be thoroughly investigated. Otherwise it only gives testament to the need for and importance of a strong professional Performance Management System and the necessary cleaning up of the force required. In addition, the recent request by officers to halt promotions due to a delay of internal poor performance and disciplinary investigations also further supports the need for an improved performance management system.
It is commendable what His Excellency is trying to do to improve the Police Force. The GPF must now ensure that a high level of accountability and transparency is established within its ranks so that the goodwill intended by the government is not incorrectly exploited.
Yours faithfully,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
