Given the seriousness of the alleged offences by the police against Colwyn Harding and its wide coverage in the media, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Saturday said that an independent inquiry should be held into the matter.
Pressure is building on the government to convene such an inquiry given the view that the public lacks confidence in the force to investigate itself. The PSC view adds to earlier calls for an independent inquiry from the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Human Rights Association and the Guyana Trades Union Congress among others. Addressing the matter on Friday, President Donald Ramotar said he supports an independent probe but critics have said he should have taken the lead by ordering one.
A statement from the PSC on Saturday said that it met on Friday with the Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brummel, and his Senior Officers to convey the very serious concerns of the Commission about the public allegations of grievous assault and an act of sodomy on Harding by the Guyana Police Force.
“The PSC told the Commissioner that, in the view of the Commission, there has not been a
