Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 25, 2011 News
There must be something wrong with the police in Guyana because like the Brazilians, Surinamese nationals are claiming harassment by members of the local law enforcement agency whenever they visit the land of many waters.
While many Guyanese flock to the neighbouring Dutch-speaking Republic, several Surinamese told Kaieteur News that they are not too inclined to travel to Guyana out of fear of being harassed by Guyanese Police.
They claimed that they are routinely subjected to rigorous searches of their vehicles and persons and although nothing illegal is found on them, the police here still demand that they have to ‘leave something’.
The accusations come at a time when Guyana is desperately trying to boost its fledgling tourism industry, in addition to bolstering trade with its eastern neighbour.
They also come on the heels of similar complaints from Brazilian nationals who claimed that they are specially targeted by police especially those working in the interior locations.
But a senior police officer painted a different picture of the situation, although he admitted that the force is aware of the accusations.
He pointed to a complaint made a year ago which was carried in a section of the media, pointing to the alleged harassment of nationals of Suriname by Guyanese law enforcement personnel.
The senior officer explained that because of the traffic of narcotics and other illegal items including vehicles across the Guyana Suriname border, random searches are a must.
However, he pointed out that in most cases Surinamese nationals are not targeted.
“I know that the police in Berbice place emphasis on Guyanese returning from Suriname. In fact the ranks there have been cautioned about their dealings with Surinamese Nationals and their vehicles,” the officer told Kaieteur News.
According to the Officer, who was once stationed in the Ancient County, Berbice, many Surinamese nationals would frequently come across the border for entertainment activities.
“They come across to sport. Even some of the Suriname police come across and sport and go back. We have a very good relationship with them,” the officer stated.
He went further to suggest that the Suriname police who are more rigid in their searches although he could not point fingers at the harassment aspect of the issue.
The officer is encouraging persons whether Surinamese or Guyanese residing in Suriname who are harassed by local police to report the matters so that action can be taken.
Police Commissioner Henry Greene has repeatedly lamented the prevalence of police shakedowns especially against Brazilians.
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