The actions of several police officers are likely to come under scrutiny as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has been called in to investigate the alleged failure by ranks to render assistance to a Bagotville youth who was doused with a noxious substance.
On Tuesday, Stabroek News reported that 22-year-old, Daniel Phillips, had to seek medical attention after he was allegedly attacked and doused with a noxious substance by four neighbours. Phillips reportedly sustained burns to his face and neck and is suffering from two swollen eyes, following an attack that his family claimed occurred in the presence of several police officers. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement said that “relative to the above, please note that the matter is being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)”.
Sister of the injured youth, Marisa Phillips, explained that they have been calling for justice for years, but which has so far fallen on deaf ears. Phillips said that for years their family has been terrorised by neighbours and described the actions as ranging from verbal and physical to destruction of property. These actions, she said, would go unpunished.
Earlier in the day, Marisa explained that, like on many other occasions, they faced another act of aggression from their neighbours. Then during the evening, Daniel, her brother, was on his way to meet his family in town when he was attacked and had to seek refuge in a neighbour’s yard. Daniel, who she said was fearful for his life, called his family and told them of his situation, and in response, his family called the police and told them what was happening.
Several ranks showed up at the scene and tried to arrest one of the suspects. The ranks were rebuffed by the elders of the family who allegedly told the ranks that none of their young ones were going to be arrested. Soon after, another scuffle broke out and a noxious substance was thrown on Daniel. He said his skin started to burn but the police reportedly refused to render any assistance. Daniel was later rushed to the hospital.
Hours later, the police showed up at the hospital later to take a statement from Daniel.
