President Irfaan Ali says that there will be a thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Dartmouth businessman, Orin Boston, who was shot by a police officer during a reported anti-crime operation at his home more than a week ago.
“I have already made it very clear that there will be an impartial investigation. That the police would have to act professionally. We are going to support a thorough investigation,” Ali said.
It is unclear what this “impartial” investigation will be.
The President was at the time responding to questions from the media during a virtual press conference held yesterday morning.
Ali is currently in New York where he attended the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He said upon his return, he will have a full update on the matter.
“…And let us see. Let us await the outcome of the police investigation. Sometimes we move quickly to cast judgement or condemn the operations of the police but let us see what comes out of the investigation,” he said.
Upon his return, the President said that he plans to visit the Boston family and residents of the Essequibo Coast community.
“On my return too I would like to have that opportunity to engage the family and the community. As you know we have not shied away from any of these issues. Our philosophy is engagement and I will be engaging the family and the community also,” Ali said.
Boston, 29, of Hoppie Street, Dart-mouth was shot and killed last Wednesday during what was said to be an anti-crime operation.
The police in a statement had said that ranks were conducting the operation at around 4.40 am during which they went to the home of Boston to conduct a search.
During the search, the police said that there was a “confrontation” between Boston and the police resulting in him being shot.
Boston was rushed to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy later revealed that Boston died as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot injuries to the chest.
Boston’s widow, Feona Boston had previously told reporters that the police kicked down their back door, went into their bedroom and shot the businessman. She said that ranks were all over the house with guns and her two children, ages 6 and 7, witnessed the entire ordeal.
Boston was shot with a rifle. The policeman who allegedly shot Boston remains under close arrest.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has since ordered a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.
As the investigation continues, a number of details surrounding the shooting of Boston remain sketchy. This includes how many ranks entered the house, what means were used to gain entry to Boston’s house, and whether any of the force’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were breached.
Pressed for answers during a press conference last Wednesday, Hoppie told the media that these details will be determined in the investigation.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The OPR file was recently sent to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) retired Justice William Ramlal for “review”.
Under its governing Act, the PCA is mandated to undertake a probe of all fatal police shootings. It is however not required to review the internal police probe.
The usual procedure has been for the police force to send its file to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on prosecution. It remains unclear why this has not been done in this instance.
On Monday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn visited the family and promised that all efforts will be made to ensure his death is “thoroughly” investigated.
Extra judicial killings
Over the past few months, there have been several incidents where persons were shot and killed by the police.
In May, robbery accused Peter Headley was fatally wounded by a policeman. To date, no criminal charge/s has been laid against the rank and authorities remain silent on the findings of the investigation.
Such actions by the police have led to claims that there is a return of the extra-judicial killings era under the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.
Asked about this yesterday, Ali described the claims as “propaganda” which he said was aimed at “discrediting” the party.
He said the propaganda was “dismantled” and was even exposed in a Stabroek News investigation.
“Let me be very clear on this. The propaganda that was used in the past about extra judicial killings was dismantled…..There was an entire publication I think in Stabroek News of every single name and the reason behind….and the analysis of every single name. This has been proven, the narrative that was created about extra judicial killing was a disgusting narrative aimed at discrediting the PPP/Civic government. It has no basis, it was not factual and we have dismantled this,” Ali said.
“You can’t return to something that never existed…it is a foundation of lies and I am not going to return to something that never existed in the first place,” he said.
