GDF officer, four ranks charged over alleged Cuyuni crimes

The Guyana Defence Force this evening said that an Officer and four Other Ranks have been detained in relation to their alleged involvement in criminal conduct, reportedly committed in the Cuyuni mining district recently.

The GDF in a release says this follows the visit made by the Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best to the mining community at the Julian Ross Landing on February 1, 2013. During that visit the COS assured the miners that once the alleged perpetrators of the conduct were known, he would ensure that they were charged and placed before the courts.

Commodore Gary Best (third from right) speaking to miners on Friday. (GDF photo)
Commodore Gary Best (third from right) speaking to miners on Friday. (GDF photo)

“The miners cooperated, and, as a result, the officer and ranks said to have committed the criminal acts were positively identified as being present and entering the mining camps. The COS made good on his promise to the community when he said, Once we have evidence that the soldiers came here and went to the backdam and robbed the miners, I will ensure that they are charged and put before the court; and if they have to end up in prison, then they will end up in prison”, he said. The men were escorted by GDF investigators and brought to Camp Ayanganna today, the release said.

“The officer and ranks are currently detained in Camp Ayanganna where they were charged with military offences. They appeared before a Commanding Officer and were remanded for a Summary of Evidence with a view to Court Martial proceedings. At this time the Guyana Defence Force has sufficient evidence to charge the ranks under military law. The alleged criminal conduct by the officer and ranks in the mining camp and at the Julian Ross landing continues to be investigated by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force”, the release said