APNU+AFC Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul yesterday painted a grim picture of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), alleging that it has devolved into a national security risk under the governance of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)/Civic.
His statement delivered yesterday at the PNCR’s press conference came amidst growing public concern over the integrity and effectiveness of the police force which Mahipaul claims has been compromised by criminal activities at high levels.
Recent reports have surfaced that raise alarms about the conduct of senior police officials. According to Mahipaul, “Top officers are allegedly involved in various crimes,” with the GPF reportedly serving as a source for tip-offs and cover-ups that benefit criminals. He criticized the government for failing to address these issues, asserting that both local and foreign security agencies are now hesitant to collaborate with the GPF.
“The appointment of the police commissioner is still a constitutional breach,” Mahipaul stated, arguing that public trust in the police force has reached an all-time low. He pointed to several troubling incidents highlighted in the local media, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Mahipaul also called into question the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms within the GPF. “The PPP knows that the GPF is failing the people of Guyana,” he asserted, claiming that the government has been in denial about the force’s inadequacies.
In urging a thorough investigation into the systemic issues plaguing the GPF, Mahipaul warned that the current trajectory could lead to Guyana being blacklisted for financial crimes which would have dire implications for the nation’s economy. “An investigation of this vulnerability needs to be conducted, and the system revamped to prevent such lapses,” he stated.
The police force is reeling from dozens of serious charges – including money laundering – which have been brought against Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus.
Looking ahead, Mahipaul emphasized the necessity for political unity to challenge the PPP/C’s governance in the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections. “As the next government, we are confident we will transform the Guyana Police Force into a professional, well-trained, and highly motivated entity in service of the people,” he stated.
Last week, the PNCR called for a reputable international body to probe the Guyana Police Force.
“The evidence is emerging, that like the PPP, the Guyana Police Force is corrupt, unprofessional and complicit in crime and corruption, and therefore cannot morally or properly execute its mandate to ensure law and order and reduce crime in Guyana.
“The recent revelations about corruption and incompetence in the GPF, reinforces the Opposition’s contention that there is need for a thorough investigation of the Guyana Police Force by a reputable international body and that the acting Commissioner of Police and some of his colleagues are unfit to be in the GPF, and therefore cannot and must not be in the leadership of the Guyana Police Force”, the party said in a statement.
