After experiencing “some issues”, the timeline for the completion of the CARICOM Regional Security System (RSS) review into the allegations made by Detective Sergeant, Dion Bascom has been extended, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said.
“….There was indeed or there is a timeline. There was an extension granted because of some other issues,” Benn told Sta-broek News when contacted for an update yesterday.
Without divulging details, Benn said the media will be informed once the process is completed. “As soon as it is done a press release will be made as to the completion of the physical documentation and then time will have to be taken by us to study and act on any recommendation given,” he said.
Benn pointed out that the RSS review that is being conducted will focus on all the allegations made by Bascom. “….There is a number of allegations made….. There is a review of everything,” he noted.
During last week, President Irfaan Ali had disclosed to sections of the media that the CARICOM RSS has been asked to review the allegations made by Bascom including claims that there was a deliberate attempt by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to cover up the crime.
Two weeks ago, Bascom went public following his arrest in connection with a drug bust to air his frustrations over what he described as mistreatment that he and other ranks have faced while serving the force.
During a live Facebook video, which has since been removed, Bascom made allegations regarding the stalled Ricardo Fagundes murder probe, saying he believed his life was under threat and that there was a cover-up by police of the slaying.
He also claimed that a senior policeman was paid $30 million to bury the Fagundes case and implicated others as being linked to the crime, prompting the threat of lawsuits.
Bascom had claimed that he was one of the officers who arrived at the scene following the shooting of Fagundes. Accord-ing to Bascom, he and other officers were able to track the phone used by the prime suspect and the calls he made before and after the shooting.
He had also further alleged that he played a key role in pursuing one of the suspects in the murder of Fagundes.
The GPF has since dismissed Bascom’s claims as “malicious and untrue”.
After he made the allegations, Bascom proceeded on sick leave. Bascom has since returned to duty. He has returned to his posting in Essequibo after a previous request to be reassigned went unaddressed.
The Police Office of Professional Responsibili-ty (OPR) investigated the matter and their findings along with recommendations were forwarded to the DPP’s Chambers for legal advice.
Stabroek News was reliably informed last week that the police received legal advice to institute several criminal charges against Bascom. Sources had said Bascom is likely to face a total of seven charges. Bascom is yet to be charged.
Bascom, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes had written to President Ali seeking protection under the Protected Disclosures Act. The initial letter was sent to President Ali on Tuesday, August 16.
Hughes on Tuesday wrote again to Ali seeking witness protection for his client who he said is “deeply concerned about his and his family’s safety.” He did not receive any response as of yesterday.
Ali had previously said that he has to first assess the case but noted that the allocating of resources to ensure effective whistleblower’s legislation is a key matter for his administration.
“I wouldn’t say I’m against it [the protection sought by Dion Bascom], because I believe I have to see what is the content of the letter (from Bascom’s lawyer), what is the nature of what is really asked for. But as I said, this system or this country that I’m governing, must provide an even platform for everyone. It must provide a socially just platform for everyone. And in that context, I’ll make my decision,” he had said.
During a press conference last Friday, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan said that the safety and security of Bascom is the “top priority” and he should therefore be put in a “safe place” instead of being penalised.
“…..The safety and security of Sergeant Basom is top priority and must be provided for. Not a criminal prosecution,” Ramjattan said.
Fagundes, who was a close friend of Khan, was riddled with bullets by two men outside Palm Court on the evening of Sunday, March 21, last year.
At the time of the attack, he was approaching a parked vehicle owned by convicted drug trafficker, Roger Khan.
An autopsy later confirmed that Fagundes was shot about 20 times about his body. Khan would later say he was the intended target of the attack. The police recovered 30 spent shells at the scene. Sixteen were from an AK-47 rifle, while the other fourteen were from a 9mm weapon.
