By Mark DaCosta- In a strong condemnation of the actions taken by the Guyana Police Force, the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has accused Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken of operating under the influence of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). CGID contends that the police chief has been employed to fabricate accusations against political adversaries, particularly those within the African Guyanese community, to undermine their reputations as part of a broader political strategy.
The ongoing battle for political legitimacy in our homeland has heated up, particularly with the emergence of accusations aimed at Mr. Rickford Burke, who serves as the President of the CGID. A press release, issued on June 22, suggested that prominent figures in the PPP, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, have allegedly orchestrated a campaign to discredit Burke. It is suggested that their fear of Burke’s influence, both domestically and abroad, has led them to resort to extreme measures, including deploying law enforcement to paint him as a criminal.
CGID’s statement highlights a recent incident involving the Police Commissioner, who alleged that Burke was involved in extorting a member of the PPP. These claims were described by CGID as “absurd and obscene,” and Burke himself has categorically dismissed the allegations as falsehoods intended to defame his character. The press release further illustrates the troubling nature of these accusations, likening them to the historical misuse of power against people of African descent, where “house slaves” were leveraged to attack their own communities.
In support of Burke, CGID pointed to a recent ruling from acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire S.C, who, in a landmark decision, decried the actions of the police and their lack of evidence in the case against him. The judgement raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the police’s operations, with the Chief Justice explicitly stating, “It remains a mystery under what law the charges were brought.” This statement reinforces the view that the police force has overstepped its boundaries and failed in its duty to provide transparent and just governance.
Importantly, CGID argues that the timing and nature of the police’s accusations seem to coincide with a need to distract from the serious legal repercussions faced by the government following the Supreme Court ruling, which deemed the charges against Burke unconstitutional. Their claims suggest that the police’s strategy is a deliberate attempt to smear Burke’s image and create a narrative that labels those who challenge the PPP as criminals. The organisation’s press release contends that “the only path to smearing Mr. Burke’s character” is via these unfounded allegations.
Moreover, CGID asserts that law enforcement has been politicised, claiming that the police have followed specific instructions from high-ranking political figures to intimidate Burke and similar dissidents who dare to speak out against the corrupt practices entrenched within the PPP government. The press release also makes an alarming assertion, stating that the US government is reportedly in possession of evidence demonstrating that the PPP manipulated police procedures to bring false charges against Burke based on trumped-up allegations.
Most recently, the police have expressed intentions to seek the extradition of Burke from the US, a move predicted by CGID to backfire spectacularly, similar to previous attempts that were rebuffed by the Biden Administration. Notably, the FBI is said to have dismissed earlier allegations as “ridiculous nonsense,” further illustrating, according to the press release, the unfounded nature of the claims made against Burke.
Through the eyes of CGID, it is evident that the ongoing strife between the police and political opposition reflects a deeper struggle for power and the right to dissent in Guyana. The organisation emphasises that Burke remains undeterred by the unwarranted attacks on his character, declaring that he and his legal team are prepared to address the developments as they unfold.
In this critical moment for our nation, it is vital for citizens to remain vigilant and aware of how political manoeuvring can impact the very fabric of Guyana.
