Some years ago, one of the annual satires (either the “Link Show” or “No Big Ting”) produced by local theatre champions Ron Robinson and Gem Madhoo, introduced the populace to a figure who became a constant on the show – ‘Officer Tek-a-Bribe’. The misadventures of the over-exaggerated caricature of a policeman on the take provided much amusement for audiences. What was telling was that the producers never once had to explain the character or his antics; every patron immediately got the reference.
A point to ponder? While we do, it is worth noting here that there is some good in a society, people being able to laugh at themselves. On the flip side, we should be concerned that the joke has lasted so long and that it still endures. As the old Guyanese proverb says: “Ting fuh cry, man a laugh”. That we continue to find humour in the issues that we ought to be seeking to correct, possibly rubs deeper than the satirists intended and too many of us are not really paying attention.
On October 10, Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairman, retired Justice William Ramlal’s annual report for 2023 was tabled in Parliament. Among the shortcomings listed in the report was the result of a mini survey conducted by the former judge. Justice Ramlal stated that he interviewed just over 300 police officers with rankings from senior superintendent to rural constable to assess their understanding of the force’s standing orders as well as the constitutional rights of citizens. He found that there was a significant gap with regard to the former and no substantial knowledge of the latter. Since both form part of the job requirements of those surveyed, it surely raises questions about their specific performances.
Admittedly, the 300+ sample referenced by the PCA Chairman was very small, perhaps 5% or less of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) total personnel last year, which stood at 4,956 at the end of December 2019 and has likely increased with annual recruitment. Nevertheless, the findings ought to have triggered a response beyond the knee-jerk questioning of their validity and complaints about confirmation of the sample size and survey context, which appeared in a police press release two days later. While the pat comment about continuous training and workshops could stand as this is known to be true, surely the GPF could go further by conducting or commissioning a larger more in-depth study to find the extent of the weaknesses illuminated in the report. It would then be able to target specific areas/officers in its workshops.
Mr Ramlal also highlighted the fact that he was unable to fulfil his mandate with regard to four cases of police shootings referred to the PCA for investigation, as the GPF neglected to forward the files to him. He called on President Irfaan Ali to intervene, noting that the police had conducted the investigations without proper oversight in breach of Sections 12, 13, and 14 of the PCA Act. While there could be no excuse for one infraction of this sort, four is tantamount to the GPF riding roughshod over an agency authorised by the laws of Guyana to enquire into complaints of misconduct by the police. This is indefensible and there should be repercussions. According to Cap. 17:02 17(3) (3) of the PCA Act, “The Minister [of Home Affairs] shall lay before the National Assembly a copy of the report with any explanation that he, the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Commissioner may like to offer in regard to any matter stated in the report.” It will be interesting to see how the minister, the DPP and the acting commissioner respond to the infraction stated above, or rather if they do.
Further, Justice Ramlal pointed out that the GPF had not provided his agency with any information regarding censure or disciplinary measures taken against police officers in 2023. The report cited 194 complaints received against police officers last year; 53 were rejected and 22 were still pending investigations. The police responded that these numbers did not adequately reflect “the overall performance” of its officers and represented a small fraction of the thousands of cases handled last year. The PCA report also referred to disciplinary action recommended against 17 members of the GPF. Does it follow that the recommendations were ignored? Or did the GPF just neglect to inform the PCA? Strange enough, it took the time to respond to specifics in the PCA report.
The need for police reform beyond the outward gloss the GPF has given itself over the years is even more manifest now. The actions or lack thereof of those in authority explain the dogged endurance of the parodied ‘Officer Tek-a-Bribe’ and his very real peers in uniform.
It is apparent that the GPF fails to recognise that in order to properly fulfil the charge given to him, Mr Ramlal is obligated to submit annual reports that detail challenges and successes and make recommendations on possible improvements. He was simply carrying out his mandate, but the GPF chose to view the report as hostile. Unfortunately, this happens to be par for the course for Guyana. Government ministries and agencies read reports critical of their actions with a view to responding rather than taking the criticisms on board and improving on their performance.