THE Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations (GAPSO) is calling on the Guyana Police Force to thoroughly investigate the incident surrounding the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and her driver at the Massy parking lot at Providence, East Bank Demerara last Sunday.

GAPSO made the call following comments by Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Williams who said members of private security firms must be better trained.

“There is clearly a difference in opinion between the GAPSO and Mr. Paul Williams in regard to this incident,” the private security body contended.

According to GAPSO, it is unfortunate that Williams would state publicly that after the minister’s driver attempted to breach a secure area of a facility, without seeking permission and the minister throwing several signs on the ground, which constitutes to damage of property, the security personnel should apologise.

“Would the same be required if a police officer were stationed there? Firstly, The Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations is calling on the Commissioner of Police (Ag), David Ramnarine to explain to the public if the reckless comments made by Mr. Williams represents the position of the Guyana Police Force,” GAPSO stated.

Secondly, the security body noted that while the incident is beyond comprehension, questions must be asked.

“We need to ask: was the security’s conduct consistent with their SOPs? And was the ministerial Code of Conduct breached by the minister? The Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations is calling on Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, an elected official who has a responsibility as to act appropriately to explain to the public her actions on the CCTV Video that is in the public domain. Failure to do such, Ms. Simona Broomes must be held accountable for her actions,” the security body said.

It also urged all security officers not to allow agitators to seize to advance their often self-serving beliefs of what is erroneous.
“Do not allow them to bemoan the lack of trust in the private security industry. Do not allow them to beat down the hard working men and women who are security officers,” the GAPSO said.

According to Crime Chief Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams, the minister said she had identified herself, but the security guards paid no heed.

“It is within your own judgment and sense that if you see a certain vehicle within a certain standard and class right there and then it speaks out to somebody, even if you want to rate the person as for whatever it is, whether the person is drug lord whether the person is a minister, whether the person is a businessman; whether the person is a gold miner or whatever it is, from the time you see a vehicle of certain standard it is supposed to arouse your attention and alertness, rather than from a normal vehicle, ” Williams said.

He added that security companies in Guyana employ people at the lower levels who work at stores, malls and premises and lack proper training to deal with members of the public and carrying firearms.

The assistant commissioner of police questioned whether the actions of the security guard would have been the same had it been a diplomat in the vehicle on the night in question.

“It could have been somebody else of higher standing or stature in this country in that vehicle. If was a U.S. diplomat or a diplomat from any other country who would have gone there in that vehicle, yes, you may not know who is in the vehicle, but the person looked at the sign and move it…”

On that score he called on private security personnel to be more reasonable and for their members to be better trained.