THE Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Stabroek News (Tuesday July 2, 2014) under the caption ‘Amputee constable accuses Police Force of abandonment’.
The Guyana Police Force categorically refutes the allegations of ‘abandonment and neglect’ being made against the organisation and wishes to state that, on the contrary, the Police Force has responded very positively in the matter involving Constable 20859 Samuel Elvis, which is in keeping with the Force’s policy of utmost concern for the welfare of its members.

Constable Samuel Elvis was shot and injured by another police rank while on duty on March 20, 2014. He was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but subsequently removed to the Woodlands Hospital after concerns were raised about the quality of treatment. He was discharged from Woodlands Hospital on April 20, 2014.

The Guyana Police Force understands that due to the fact that he did not follow medical advice, the wound to his leg became infected and Constable Elvis had to be readmitted to the Woodlands Hospital on May 19, 2014. He was later discharged on June 6, 2014.

The Guyana Police Force has paid all the bills for Constable Samuel Elvis’ medical treatment and other related expenses from the date of his injury unto present, while cognisant that a percentage will be refunded through the National Insurance Scheme.

During the periods of his hospitalization, ranks of the Police Welfare Department, including the Force Welfare Officer, visited Constable Elvis on a daily basis and whatever needs he required, outside of the medical treatment, were met through the Police Force. In addition, a number of other police ranks, including senior officers of the Force Administration, visited Constable Samuel Elvis while in hospital.

While out of hospital Constable Samuel Elvis was, and still is, required to visit the out-patient clinic of the Woodlands Hospital on a regular basis and on these occasions the police have assisted with transportation and staff of the Police Welfare Department would accompany him. Incidentally, he (was) expected to visit the clinic on Wednesday July 2, 2014, and ranks of the Police Welfare Department (were) there to provide the same level of support to him, as they have been consistently doing.

After being discharged from hospital on April 20, 2014, Constable Samuel Elvis, accompanied by his parents, met with the Commissioner of Police (ag) Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, and the Assistant Commissioner (Administration) Mr. Balram Persaud, on separate occasions.

During those meetings they were assured that Constable 20859 Samuel Elvis will remain a member of the Police Force and that he can return to work as soon as he is recovered and able to do so. In fact, Constable Elvis continues to receive his full salary from the Police Force.

They were also assured that the Guyana Police Force will make efforts to acquire a prosthetic leg for Constable Samuel Elvis after his foot has healed.

They were also given assurances that the investigations into the matter, which had been stymied for a while because of a statement from him, would be completed and legal advice sought. The investigations have since been completed and legal advice is being sought in the matter presently.

It should be noted that during the discussions, some requests were made for monies which the Guyana Police Force cannot lawfully meet and it was also stated that there was some negotiation for compensation with the rank, who had discharged the round that caused Constable Samuel Elvis’ injury.

Given the significant role the Police Welfare Department has played and is continuing to play in the matter concerning Constable Samuel Elvis, the Guyana Police Force takes with a pinch of salt the allegation that, when the Stabroek News contacted the Police Welfare Office, they were told that the matter was not being handled by the office.

The Police Force is also reminding media operatives that the persons authorised to interact with the media on police related matters are the Commissioner of Police, the Head, CID (Crime Chief), the Traffic Officer and the Public Relations and Press Officer.

IVELAW WHITTAKER
Police Public Relations and Press Officer