The Private Sector Commission has blistered the police force over its “non-response” to the recent Buxton unrest during which the road was blocked for hours, a truck set ablaze and persons robbed.
A statement from the private sector follows:
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Tuesday, February 7, met with the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, to discuss several matters regarding the security sector.
The PSC expressed its deep concern at the slow and even nonexistent response of the police in dealing with the attack on innocent individuals, which followed an intelligence-led operation involving the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit in the vicinity of Buxton, East Coast Demerara on February 1, 2023, and other violent protests.
Matters raised with the Minister were:
• The fact that innocent persons were beaten and robbed, and the police did not protect them.
• The fact that peoples’ properties were vandalized and destroyed and the police took no action to prevent it.
• The fact that in spite of considerable video evidence identifying the perpetrators of violence, there has been no announcement of any charges made against them.
• The fact that it is known that though the Riot Squad was deployed to the area, they remained in the BV Police Station compound and were not engaged.
The PSC however welcomes the recent statement by the Commissioner of Police in which he said, “those held accountable would face the full brunt of the law”.
The meeting also discussed the delay in response to outstanding applications for gun licenses, the processing of work permits, and the urgent need for improved traffic management including the control of the roadways.
The Commission’s team was led by Chairman, Mr. Paul Cheong.