PNCR to seek probe of all police torture, shootings over last 20 years

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Saturday said that it will move to have every act of torture or shooting by the police over the last 20 years investigated.

This was one of the commitments made at the first General Council of the party for the year on Saturday. The PNCR is the main partner in the opposition coalition APNU. Both are led by Opposition Leader, David Granger.

A release from the PNCR said that Granger in his address stated that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would advocate for the human rights of all Guyanese citizens. He said that the  Partnership will seek to have investigated all acts of torture in the last 20 years and every shooting.

Granger said “we (PNCR) will work  to protect the rights of persons who suffer police brutality and will not rest until there is  good governance.”

Granger also emphasized workers’ rights. He said that the PNCR was committed to inclusionary democracy and respect for workers. He noted  that the party had declared 2014 the Year for Workers and APNU  had called for a social contract to promote national unity, ensure human safety and nurture economic development.

Granger charged that the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic had “damaged the labour movement in Guyana.”

He contended that the country’s economic future lies in the hands of the workers and Guyanese workers must be able to look forward to a better future, better wages and a good life in 2014.

The first General Council for the year was held at the Party’s Headquarters, Congress Place under the theme-“achieving inclusive democracy and respect for workers through a social contract” and was chaired by Chairman of the PNCR, Basil Williams MP.

The release said that Williams made mention of the rampant poverty, youth employment and violent crime that continues to be prevalent in communities all across the nation. General Secretary of the PNCR  Oscar Clarke reported that training for local government elections was well advanced and charged party members to “aggressively mobilise within their various districts and regions.”