Dear Editor,
In Guyana, all members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have taken an oath to protect and serve the citizens, but many have decided to protect and serve themselves. Most Guyanese are aware that some members of the GPF have earned and deserve much higher remuneration than they receive at present. They are the ones who are conscientious, diligent, professional and pleasant in the performance of their duties. They are not vulgar and do not abuse the citizens.
Those are the ones who have diligently investigated crimes, pursued all leads, and gathered solid evidence to support the charges being laid and convictions obtained, and of course, who put their personal safety at risk in order to protect the innocent citizens. Yes, they are honest and dedicated so pay them more, and promote them as well, for they deserve recognition.
Sad to say several others are corrupt, abusive and unprofessional in discharging their duties. It is this rogue group of cops who have cast a dark shadow on the entire GPF and have caused the public not to have any trust and confidence in the police. They have not earned, and do not deserve any increase in remuneration. And in this regard they are no different from workers in any industry, whether public or private.
In fact, some members of the GPF should be dismissed. Those are the ones who are not performing at the required level, who are involved in corrupt practices and other illegal activities, and who have turned a blind eye to criminal acts conducted in front of their faces. They have caused embarrassment to the force and to the state by wrongful arrests, torture and physical and sexual abuse. These are the rogue cops in the GPF whom the Commissioner said he would weed out, but is yet to do so after being in office for more than a year. But the Commissioner of Police lost the trust and confidence of the public when he publicly stated that he supported the promotions of the two rogue cops who burnt the genitals of 14-year-old Twyon Thomas at Leonora Police station a few years ago. This horrific and brutal act sparked outrage in Guyana, the Caribbean and the world via the social media. It seems as though the Commissioner has adopted the practice of the PPP in promoting those who have committed illegal acts.
Pay increases to members of the GPF should be done based on individual performance and merit, instead of just agreeing to an across-the-board increase.
An APNU+AFC Alliance government would have no choice but to move swiftly to improve the image of the GPF. The Force must act as an independent institution. Commanders must no longer be instructed by their political bosses as to who should be charged or not charged, and who should be transferred because they have arrested someone with political contacts. At the same time, those in power must allow the force to function as an impartial and professional institution. They must cease and desist from directing the top brass of the force.
Yours faithfully,
Asquith Rose
