GDF condemns actions of rank who assaulted Police on Harbour Bridge

– says soldier must be held accountable for his actions

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday condemned strongly the actions of a Lance Corporal who physically assaulted a Police Constable attached to the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department.

Constable 24030 Wilson was on Friday evening conducting anti-crime patrol duties at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge when he was attacked by the GDF rank at about 20:00h. While directing eastbound traffic, which contained of two lanes merged into one on the Meer-Zoorgen Public Road, Wilson observed a dark grey car trying to change lanes thereby causing congestion.

The Constable approached the driver who he subsequently discovered was a rank of the GDF. The Constable informed the Lance Corporal of the offence and instructed him to pull over to the corner of the road.

The Lance Corporal annoyed by the instruction, exited his car and “chucked the rank”. Despite warnings from Constable Wilson, the GDF rank continued to assault the him (Constable), choking and cuffing him about his face and body.

The Police Constable was assisted by colleagues who arrested the GDF rank.

Wilson was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The GDF in a statement said the actions of the rank which was video recorded by onlookers and circulated on social media “are a direct contravention of the expected conduct of ranks.”

“All members of the GDF are subjected to the laws of Guyana and so the force stands ready to support the GPF in their investigations and expects that the soldier is held accountable for his actions,” the statement concluded.

The GDF rank remains in police custody.