The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) on Saturday called for the immediate resignation of Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, blasting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of presiding over a deteriorating public security environment marked by growing concerns over police accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, the civil society organisation said Walrond should leave office “in the interest of accountability, public confidence, and the protection of citizens,” arguing that her stewardship of the Home Affairs Ministry has been characterised by failures in oversight rather than effective leadership.
IFAAD said it holds the “firm view” that the minister has demonstrated “sustained complacency in the execution of her constitutional and ministerial responsibilities, particularly with respect to public safety, transparency, and oversight of the security sector.”
“The Ministry of Home Affairs bears direct responsibility for ensuring law and order, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions,” the organisation stated. “These obligations have not been adequately met.“
Central to the organisation’s criticism is what it described as the lack of transparency surrounding an investigation into a motor vehicle accident involving the minister’s child.
“Of grave concern is the continued absence of clear and timely information regarding the investigation into a motor vehicle accident involving the Minister’s own child,” IFAAD stated. “The prolonged silence has fuelled public disquiet and perceptions of unequal treatment before the law. Transparency in such matters is essential to uphold confidence in the justice system, regardless of office or status.“
The organisation’s demand also follows Walrond’s June 25 call for what she described as a “thorough, impartial and transparent” investigation into the death of 16-year-old Altaf King after a police pursuit in Berbice. At the time, the minister pledged that anyone found criminally or disciplinarily culpable would be held accountable under the law. IFAAD contends that the same standard of transparency should apply to the unresolved investigation involving the minister’s child.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed recently alleged in a social media post that “Marshall Allicock, son of Minister Oneidge Walrond, killed 60-year-old Salima Heeralal after violently slamming into the silver vehicle. The public was never informed that it was Oneidge’s delinquent son. This incident occurred October 3, 2024.” Those allegations have not been tested in court.
President Irfaan Ali has publicly addressed the matter, telling online news outlet Demerara Waves that Walrond had assured him she played no role in the investigation.
“The minister has grown children. One of her kids was involved in an accident. The minister has not intervened in any way,” the President said.
However, the Guyana Police Force’s Public Relations Department and Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, have not publicly disclosed the status of the investigation, a silence that has continued to fuel questions about transparency and equal application of the law.
IFAAD’s call also comes just two days after Walrond publicly demanded “a thorough, impartial and transparent” investigation into the death of 16-year-old Altaf King, who died following a police pursuit in Berbice. In that statement, the minister said any criminal or disciplinary culpability arising from the incident would be addressed in accordance with the law.
IFAAD argued that while the minister has insisted on transparency in the King investigation, similar openness has not been evident regarding the accident involving her son, reinforcing public concerns about unequal treatment and accountability.
Beyond the accident investigation, the organisation argued that Guyana is facing “a troubling escalation in crime,” while alleging that the Guyana Police Force has become increasingly characterised by disorder, allegations of corruption and declining professional standards.
It said the fatal police shooting of Altaf King has further intensified national concerns about the use of lethal force, police accountability and respect for human rights.
IFAAD also criticised the government’s enforcement campaign against heavily tinted vehicle windows, arguing that the policy lacks a clear legal basis.
“The arbitrary application of such measures, without proper legislative authority or due process, further undermines public trust and raises serious questions about governance, legality, and respect for citizens’ rights,” the organisation stated.
According to IFAAD, the cumulative effect of unresolved controversies—from the handling of police shootings and the tinted-glass enforcement campaign to unanswered questions surrounding the accident investigation—reflects “a failure of leadership and oversight” within the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The organisation concluded that Walrond is “not adequately equipped to manage the complexity, sensitivity, and national importance of this portfolio,” and called on her to resign to allow for “the appointment of leadership capable of restoring integrity, accountability, and public confidence in Guyana’s security and law enforcement institutions.“
