By Mark DaCosta- Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, has been charged with breaching the anonymity of a complainant in a sexual offence case pending against him. Slowe, known for his long and distinguished career in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which falls under Section 62(3) of the Sexual Offences Act.
This latest legal development follows years of controversy. Slowe has frequently found himself at odds with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration. His supporters believe these legal troubles stem from his firm stance against corruption and his outspoken criticism of governance under the current regime.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Slowe appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was formally charged with violating the anonymity provisions designed to protect victims of sexual offences. His legal team, comprising attorneys Nigel Hughes, Dawn Cush, and Narissa Leander, argued that Slowe has always complied with court proceedings and should be granted bail.
The court agreed, releasing him on $50,000 bail with no objections from the prosecution. Additionally, Slowe’s lawyers successfully petitioned the court to allow him to leave the country while awaiting trial. The case has been adjourned to March 5, 2025, when the prosecution is expected to disclose its evidence.
The latest charge against Slowe stems from an incident in which he allegedly disclosed the identity of a complainant in an ongoing sexual offence case. Under the Sexual Offences Act, it is a criminal offence to publish or broadcast any details that could reveal the identity of a victim of sexual violence.
While the full details of the accusation remain unclear, reports indicate that Slowe may have made public statements regarding the complainant in a case being heard before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Paul Slowe’s career in law enforcement is marked by dedication, rapid promotions, and significant contributions to public security in Guyana. Born in Craig, East Bank Demerara, he spent his formative years in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.
In 1974, he officially joined the Guyana Police Force after a brief stint as a Special Constable during the 1973 elections. His talent and leadership were evident early on, earning him a place in the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), where he trained recruits in physical fitness and weapons handling.
Slowe quickly climbed the ranks. By 21, he had already reached the rank of Sergeant — an unprecedented rise in the GPF. In 1989, as an Assistant Superintendent, he was selected to lead Guyana’s police contingent in Namibia under the United Nations Transition Assistance Group.
During the 1992 general elections, Slowe played a critical role in restoring order amid post-election unrest in Georgetown. His decisive action during this period earned him the Disciplinary Services Medal (DSM) in 1998, a recognition of his outstanding service.
In 1993, he was appointed Commander of the West Demerara Division and later became head of the Presidential Guard under President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. His commitment to professional development led him to undergo advanced training at the Police Staff College in Bramshill, England, equipping him with leadership skills that would define his later career.
Slowe continued his rise through the ranks, serving as Traffic Chief and later as Commander of Berbice. In 2003, he found himself in a heated dispute with then Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj. Slowe had refused to comply with an order to return seized firearms prematurely, insisting on following proper investigative procedures. This principled stance reinforced his reputation as an officer who prioritised the law over political directives. Slowe retired from the GPG in 2010.
Slowe’s legal troubles began in earnest in 2021, when he was accused of sexual assault in a case involving a female senior police officer. He has consistently denied the allegations. Many Guyanese allege that Slowe’s legal woes were politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of corruption within the police force and government.
In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), where he sought to implement transparent processes for police promotions. His tenure, however, was cut short in 2021 when he was removed under controversial circumstances. That same year, he was charged with multiple offences, including fraud — charges that were ultimately dismissed due to lack of evidence in December 2023.
Throughout these challenges, Slowe has maintained that he is being targeted for his refusal to conform to political expectations. He has been particularly vocal against what he sees as the decline of professionalism in the Guyana Police Force under the current administration. His online broadcasts, titled Speaking Out: Exposing Corruption and Incompetence, have made him a prominent critic of the PPP government.
As Paul Slowe prepares to face trial for the latest charge against him, public opinion remains divided. His supporters argue that his prosecution is part of a wider effort to silence critics of the government, while others see the charges as a legitimate consequence of his actions.
With his history of defying political pressure and his long-standing commitment to law enforcement, Slowe remains a key figure in Guyana’s public discourse. Whether this case will mark the end of his legal troubles or add another chapter to his contentious relationship with the state remains to be seen.
