By Roysdale Forde S.C, M.P- Something is seriously wrong with the Guyana Police Force. Records and reports would show that the force is dysfunctional and is in need of urgent reform. Recent events and incidents confirm this view and all Guyanese should be very afraid of the consequences of the dysfunctionality of the law enforcement arm of the state. But, it is not like if Guyanese are not aware of this frightening situation.
In fact, Guyanese are also aware that the PPP/C regime is not particularly interested in reforming the Police Force to serve and protect the people; they are interested in a force that remains at the behest of the government; one that can bow to its whims and fancies. This is the reality in which we live. Several reports urged urgent reform of this indispensable state agency but nothing has been done.
In 2024, the GHRA called for a comprehensive overhaul of the GPF, criticising its militaristic structure, lack of independent oversight, and prevalence of corruption. They proposed the establishment of a National Commission on Democratic Policing to facilitate a national dialogue on the future of policing in Guyana. Key recommendations included shifting from a militaristic approach to community-oriented policing, ensuring independent oversight, and forming a bipartisan Oversight Body.
Prior to that in 2023, Police Complaints Authority ‘s report highlighted issues such as unlawful arrests, intimidation by police officers, and a lack of knowledge among ranks regarding their powers and citizens’ rights. Chairman Justice (Ret’d) William Ramlal noted that 95% of officers interviewed were unaware of significant aspects of their powers of arrest, leading to numerous unlawful detentions. The report recommended comprehensive training for officers on their roles, duties, and the fundamental rights of citizens. Nothing has changed; no reform; only political interference and control by the incumbent regime on the command and structure of the Force..
On March 28, 2022, the President terminated the Police Service Commission, a move that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) described as unconstitutional. Article 211(1) of the Constitution mandates that the Commissioner of Police be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairperson of the PSC.
However, following the PSC’s dissolution, the President appointed Clifton Hicken as acting Commissioner without fulfilling these constitutional requirements. Despite the opposition’s disapproval and concerns about Hicken’s previous conduct, including allegations of negligence during his tenure as Commander of ‘A’ Division, the government proceeded with Hicken’s appointment. Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, indicated on October 2, 2024, that the government would move to appoint Hicken as Commissioner, citing public and national security interests.
Equally troubling is the prolonged vacancy in the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice. Since the retirement of Justice Carl Singh in 2017, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has been acting as Chancellor, and Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire has been acting as Chief Justice. Despite their capable service, the failure to substantively appoint them has led to a crisis of confidence in the judiciary. Article 127(1) of the Constitution requires the President to appoint the Chancellor and Chief Justice after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. However, the President has yet to initiate this process.
In December 2024, when questioned about the delay, the President gave no specific reason for not confirming the acting judges, stating only that there was a process to be followed and that he would take into consideration all circumstances to ensure the judiciary’s continued respect.
These actions reflect a concerning trend of undermining constitutional processes and state and other critical institutions. The unilateral termination of the PSC and the appointment of a Commissioner without proper consultation contravene the principles of checks and balances that are fundamental to democratic governance. Similarly, the persistent failure to appoint substantive judicial leaders not only violates constitutional mandates but also erodes public trust in the judiciary’s independence and effectiveness.
The High Court has previously ruled that the President and the Leader of the Opposition have a mandatory obligation to comply with Article 127(1) of the Constitution and must act with “all convenient speed” to make these appointments. The continued delay is inimical to the independence of the judiciary and threatens the very fabric of Guyana’s democracy. Unfortunately, the situation remains the same with the head and leadership of the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force remains, an indiscipline, unprofessional tool in the hands of certain politicians and actors of the PPP/C government.
As a result, many Guyanese were not surprised but massively disappointed by the unprofessional, callous, and compromising actions of the Guyana Police Force in relation to the suspicious death of Adriana Younge, at the Double Day Hotel, East Bank Essequibo. In fact, this incident has ignited a firestorm of public outrage and scrutiny.
While an autopsy concluded that she died by drowning, (we have not seen any report by any of the pathologists involved in autopsy) her family and community assert that she was abducted and murdered in a religious ritual. If nothing else, this tragedy has exposed not only the immediate failures in the investigation but also the deep-seated issues within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) (controlled by operatives and actors of the incumbent authoritarian regime) and the broader governance under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
From the outset, the GPF’s handling of Adriana’s case has been marred by unbelievable missteps. Reports indicate that police initially prohibited relatives and search parties from entering the resort, where her body was eventually discovered in a pool. Police then tried to get the people from remove from the site by claiming that they were in possession of footage of Adriana been taken away in a bus; they later said that information was inaccurate. This obstruction fueled suspicions and allegations of foul play.
The subsequent autopsy, conducted by three pathologists, including one from the United States of America, concluded that Adriana died from drowning. However, the lack of transparency and the family’s claims of a ritualistic murder have left many unconvinced, highlighting a significant breakdown in the investigative process. As for the autopsy, no one is sure what appropriate equipment was available and accessible to the pathologists to do their work. And there has not been any official public report on the findings of the autopsy. The President’s comment on the findings can hardly be seems as an official report to the public as he has no known education or training in that field. Guyanese are left none the wiser from his comments on the autopsy.
Undoubtedly, the public’s confidence in the GPF has been steadily declining, exacerbated by systemic issues within the force, demonstrated by gross pathetic incompetence displayed at different incidents such as the one that involved young Adriana.
More, A 2022 World Justice Project report revealed that nearly 70% of Guyanese believe that most or all members of political parties are involved in corrupt practices, with the police force being one of the most distrusted institutions in the country. The report also presented concerns about police accountability, with only 33% of respondents confident that the police are not involved in corrupt practices.
Again, the PPP/C government has faced criticism for its handling of the GPF. Opposition parties have accused the government of fostering corruption within the police force to ensure loyalty. The AFC, for instance, argues that the government’s failure to address the disparity between rising oil revenues and stagnant police salaries is a deliberate strategy to maintain control over the force.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the government will not tolerate corruption within the police force or anywhere else. However, the government’s actions have never matched its rhetoric. Guyanese continue to question the sincerity of its commitment to reform.
I conclude by noting that, the tragic death of Adrianna Younge serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing the politically controlled GPF and the broader governance under the PPP/C.
I believe that to restore public trust, there must be a commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine reform within the police force. This includes addressing allegations of corruption, ensuring that investigations are conducted impartially, and fostering a culture of integrity within the force. Only through such measures can the GPF hope to regain the confidence of the public and fulfill its mandate to serve and protect all citizens of Guyana.
