Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 10, 2012 News
Dameon Belgrave fatal shooting…
– compensation to victim’s relatives to be considered
The Guyana Police Force has secured the approval of the High Court to continue the detention for another 72 hours of two of its ranks who were involved in the fatal shooting of Dameon Belgrave last Friday night.
The ranks, who were under close arrest following the shooting, would have ended 72 hours in detention without charge yesterday. They now await the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether or not they will face criminal charges for their actions.
The two ranks allegedly fired into a crowd of revelers outside the White Castle Fish Shop on Hadfield Street, after chasing a group of joyriders through a section of the city on Friday night.
Belgrave, who was among friends having a pre-birthday drink, was fatally wounded.
The shooting sparked public outcry and protests from opposition parties as well as social groups.
Yesterday Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell visited the victim’s relatives at their Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara home, where he admitted that the ranks involved, acted unprofessionally.
In what can be described as an amicable atmosphere, the Commissioner assured Belgrave’s relatives including his mother, Donna Sulker that a proper investigation was being carried out into the matter and there will be no cover-up.
Amidst calls for firearms to be only issued to well-trained police ranks, the Commissioner (ag) said that the Force will be reviewing its standard operating procedure (SOP) in relation to its anti-crime patrol operations and training.
The two sides also explored the possibility of compensation, with the Top Cop promising to engage the relevant ministry in this regard.
Kaieteur News understands that the Top Cop has made a contribution to assist the family with the wake and burial arrangements.
According to police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker, relatives of the dead man appeared to be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, with his mother expressing her gratitude to the Commissioner for taking the time to visit them.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon, who was present at the meeting, expressed his appreciation of the assurances given by the Commissioner.
Harmon welcomed the announcement that the Force will be reviewing its SOP regarding the use of firearms, pointing out that it is something that his party has been calling for.
He stated that his party is not about bashing the police, but about ensuring that there is a well-trained, professional law enforcement body.
Meanwhile, two more groups have come out in condemnation of last Friday night’s police actions.
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (the Chamber) in a press release yesterday described it as careless and reckless, while extending its deepest condolences to the family of Dameon Belgrave.
“Mr. Belgrave lost his life as a result of careless and reckless actions by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF),” the chamber said.
It noted that Friday’s shooting was the second incident in several weeks where the ranks of the GPF have used excessive force in relation to innocent citizens; the other being the killing of Shaquille Grant on September 11.
According to the Chamber, these incidents suggest that there is a procedural breakdown in the management of the Guyana Police Force, which has led to a nonchalant culture of using deadly force on citizens.
The Chamber urged the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the situation urgently and reassess the GPF’s training and management protocol in order to instill in police ranks the responsibility of executing their duties with absolute professionalism.
And the Justice and Peace Commission, in protesting Belgrave’s death, noted that like the killing of Shaquille Grant in Agricola, there appears to be a willing recklessness to resort to the use of deadly force first, and ask (questions) later.
“This is unacceptable in a civilized society, and must be deplored in the sternest terms.”
The Justice and Peace Commission stated that given the number and circumstances of police shootings, several questions must be raised.
“What do police procedures call for in the resort to and use of deadly force? What is the training given to armed ranks as to escalation and restraint? How many more stand to be killed before existing approaches and mindsets to law enforcement are overhauled? And the last question is: Why do post-shooting procedures seem to be recognized mainly in the breach…such as swabbing and safeguarding ballistics evidence?”
The JPC said it recognizes that the police have a demanding mandate; that life-threatening circumstances rush forward unannounced; and that its members walk a fine line daily.
“Still, something is seriously wrong with many aspects of too many police involved in shootings. It cannot, and must not continue. The JPC looks forward to the appropriate response from police management. To the family of Dameon Belgrave condolences are extended.”
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