Bascom still without protection, at work

Days ago Bascom’s attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes wrote to President Ali seeking “witness protection” for his client pursuant to Section 20 of the Protected Disclosures Act (2018). The Office of the President acknowledged receipt of the letter prior to the president leaving for Trinidad. Whilst the president did say he is not opposed to providing protection he had also acknowledged not reading the letter.

Hughes appearing Monday on ‘Conversation with Rickford Burke,’ programme said his client is at work at Anna Region Police Station, Essequibo Coast and is “absolutely petrified” for his life. Bascom lives in Georgetown.

It was recalled that 29-year-old Orin Boston was allegedly killed in his bed, on September 15, 2021, by a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit that swooped down on his residence in Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast. Boston was asleep next to his wife when the Force allegedly forced their way into his home.

Hughes did previously announce making a request to acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to grant Bascom special leave. This has apparently not been granted.

Sharing an update in the progress or lack thereof of the case, the lawyer said Bascom appeared before the Office of Professional Responsibility on Monday and produced the statement he has given since February.

Persons have expressed fear for the sergeant’s safety, given the seriousness of the allegations made by him, he having to travel from work to home, being on the job and the possibility of being set up, and have called for his protection. Persons have also called for a commission of inquiry into the allegations about the Force professionalism, and for an independent investigation into the murder of Ricardo Fagundes aka Paper Shorts, whose death and investigation are included in the allegations made by Bascom.