The Women & Gender Equality Commission, as a Constituted Commission of the Republic of Guyana, with responsibility for ensuring the rights of individuals to justice and fair play, makes the following statement in relation to the rape allegation against Mr. Henry Greene, former Commissioner of Police: As a Commissioner of Police, with responsibility for ensuring that the members of the Guyana Police Force uphold the laws of the country and provide security and protection to the citizens of Guyana, Mr. Greene violated his professional responsibility in relation to the case in which he was involved.
Having received a request for assistance from the complainant, he had several options available to him:
* he was obligated to request the assistance of the Commander of the Division under which the case fell to provide guidance in dealing with the matter
* he could have told the young lady that he could not have provided any assistance due to the nature of the case
* the matter could have been referred directly to the officer through his Secretary or through his personal contact with the officer via telephone.
Therefore, inviting the young lady to meet him at the Police Officers’ Mess and taking the “meeting” further afield were also in violation of professional ethics and took advantage of the vulnerability of the complainant.
As the Commission with responsibility for monitoring the treatment meted out to women and on gender issues, we feel that Mr. Greene should have resigned himself immediately.
We commend the Director of Public Prosecution for her recommendation.
Having noted the action which followed the recommendations of the DPP, the Commission strongly recommends that policy directions be formulated to avoid such abuse of authority by persons seeking assistance, more especially women.
A system should be put in place where persons seeking assistance be directed to a special committee of three persons.
We use this occasion to remind members of the public who are seeking justice to seek guidance and advice from more than one person in order to avoid recurrences of this recent case. Never allow yourselves to be compromised by those who have a responsibility for your protection.
We are pleased with the final outcome and hope that this case is a warning and wake-up call for those persons who, in the course of their work, seek to use their authority to violate others.