APNU+AFC MP Geeta Chandan-Edmond has condemned the actions of the two civilians who assaulted a traffic officer while he was executing his duties on Friday.
“… I wish to vehemently condemn the abhorrent and abominable conduct of the two civilians and wish to categorically condemn the assault committed on the uniformed rank,” said Chandan-Edmond, who is shadow minister of Home Affairs.
The Guyana Police Force said in a statement that around 16:45 hrs on the Railway Embankment road at Plaisance, Constable Harlequin had approached a vehicle that was heavily tinted and was being driven by 30-year-old construction worker Kessee Edwards of Lot 62 Friendship, East Coast Demerara.
He asked Edwards to take the vehicle to the Sparendaam Police Station, where it would be inspected by a Licence and Certifying Officer, the police said. Edwards allegedly refused to comply and speedily left, driving over Harlequin’s foot in the process. The traffic officer gave chase and intercepted Edwards at Turkeyen access road.
The release said Edwards exited the vehicle, approached Harlequin, told him that someone called ‘Demon’ was on the phone and started using a series of expletives towards him. A short while later, it added, another car arrived, driven by a man dressed in a green shirt and short black pants.
This man confronted the traffic officer using a series of expletives and then became physical.
The release said Harlequin was continuously punched, in the view of bystanders, some of whom were also heard shouting, “beat he”. A video of the assault has gone viral.
However, a former policeman who was passing by intervened, allowing Harlequin to get away from the two men, the release said. Just after, Edwards was arrested.
Chandan-Edmond added that civilians are required and urged to respect members of the armed forces who are discharging their duties within the confines of the law and by extension police ranks are also required to execute their duties within the confines of the law.
“Civilians are reminded that in instances where ranks act contrary to the provisions of law, there are mechanisms for recourse. First, we should comply and then complain. I trust the Guyana Police Force will ensure that there is maximum accountability consistent with the law,” she said.
