The Speaker of the National Assembly has disallowed a Motion originating from the Opposition which sought to resolve that all persons, subject of police investigation or police custody, be accorded the rights and protections guaranteed in the laws of Guyana, Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones said Tuesday.
The Motion which was submitted by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and seconded by Opposition MP, Amanza Walton-Desir did not stipulate whether it was directed at any particular person (s) previously subject police investigation or custody.
However, the Opposition has been vocal about the arrests and interrogation of several of its Members as well as public servants.
According to Sarabo-Halley, all Members of the National Assembly have taken and subscribed to the Oath which bounds them to bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana.
The Opposition MP reminded that Article 144 of the Constitution secures the protection of the law for every citizen while Article 149 guarantees protection from discrimination on certain grounds including race, place of origin, political opinion, color, gender or religion.
As such, the MP put forward: “Be it resolved: By this Assembly that all persons who are the subject of police investigation or in the custody of the police shall be accorded the rights and protections guaranteed to them under the Constitution of Guyana Article 139 (3) and (4) and that the Guyana Police Force must at all times act in accordance with the Laws of Guyana Police Act Cap 16:01 Sec. (20) and (21).”
