Time for a change at the GPF and MoHA

Apr 15, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor

CRG extends condolences to the Families affected by the recent police shootings. It is never pleasant for a parent to bury a child. Many in our society are now calling for a change in the leadership of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The recent excessive use of force that has resulted in death, the high level of corruption in the GPF and the continued poor discipline on the roads that reinforces the poor perception of the police must be stopped. The Police Commissioner and the Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs must be held accountable and CRG calls upon the government to have them take a leave of absence while a thorough review of the GPF is conducted. The Police are not carrying out their responsibilities in a professional manner and their procedures are not being followed. Misconduct has become rampant and the force is losing the support and respect of the communities they have been serving.

It is in the best interest of the force that immediate changes are made so as to regain the trust and the support of the communities where our officers serve. We must remove the bad apples within the GPF and we must provide them with stronger and better leadership. This will enable the GPF and all Guyanese to recreate a supportive environment “where all people are preventing crime and building a safer and secure Guyana”. Reference: GPF’s website.

Everyone knows that we are not to kill each other, especially in circumstances where our own lives are not at risk. By having mutual respect for each other’s lives, we can ensure that no one loses a loved one due to violence. There was a time when the police would react to physical threats or even armed threats that required force with a shot in the leg. It appears that this has been replaced with a shoot to kill approach that lacks justification in many instances. The police have procedures outlining under what circumstances force is required and what kind of force should be used in each instance. These procedures must be respected and followed. They were created to keep the GPF and those they serve safe. It is the responsibility of the leadership of the GPF to ensure that our officers follow these procedures. Every time there is a breach in procedures their ability to lead comes into question. Unfortunately, there have been too many instances of this occurring and the GPF now also reeks of corruption thanks to the hundreds of charges brought against a high-ranking officer under the current leaderships’ watch.

CRG also calls for the building of the new 12 story police headquarters to be halted until we are sure that the officers in charge are of the quality of character, we need to create an honest society where the citizens and the police can work together peacefully and in harmony to keep our society safe. The current perception of the force sends a very different message. It is one that brings anger and strife. Our people are your people and this difference must make it possible to find solutions to disagreements and conflicts that do not end in the loss of life. We are now independent and free from colonial rule. It would be folly for us to take on the ways of an oppressor who would take our lives away easily. When you see a man who looks like you, you should be able to reason with each other. If no other option exists the choice must be to preserve your own life and those whose lives are at risk. However, the taking of a life must not be the first option. It is someone’s child and this perspective should be considered by all those involved.

I remember when there was a serious crime wave in the country under President Burnham. A criminal was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing fruit from someone else’s tree. The crime in the country dropped shortly after. Today we have criminals being released for littering and being given high paying jobs while the littering and garbage piles up, and there is little to no regard for the cleanliness of our surroundings. The attitude that this develops is one where the rule of law is disregarded by all those who live in such an environment. Does Guyana have to resort to public caning as they do in Singapore in order to restore the rule of law? We must expect and demand better from ourselves and those around us. It will help change attitudes and improve the appreciation for the lives we have and the lives of others. Our leaders and those leading the GPF must set the example and do better. It is time for a change!

Regards

Jamil Changlee

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