MINISTER of Public Security (MoPS), Khemraj Ramjattan, on Wednesday said that the file on the investigation into the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is still with the Police Legal Adviser, Justice (rtd) Claudette Singh, and reiterated the government’s stance that anyone found guilty of impropriety will be dealt with.

Ramjattan acknowledged that this latest scandal has not tainted the system, but what has changed is that any “rogue element” will be dealt with, and be an example to others that they cannot get away with it. “The rogue element is not just the Lance Corporals and the corporals, but if they are people right up in the big high places we are going to get them. That is the system and institutional building that we want. People must never, never feel that they can act with impunity and that is where the deterrence will come,” Ramjattan noted.

“It is a serious thing when you have maladministration and probably worse than that happening in certain institutions of law enforcement, you do discredit the system. But the good thing about it is that we are investigating even the very high ups and that is important. That’s a big shift.”

Earlier this year damning findings were made, in an audit report, against Head of the Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James, who has since been sent on leave. The audit of SOCU, which is a branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was ordered by Police Commissioner, Leslie James, in February, following claims of grave mismanagement at the unit, which included the misuse of its operational fund. The issue came to light following the firing of UK Adviser, Dr. Sam Sittlington on Jaunary 31, and the resignation of another senior official.

The issues were said to be longstanding. Last week the GPF announced that Ms. Althea Padmore was the new acting Head of the SOCU. How the issue of mismanagement and charges against James will be treated will depend on the advice given by the legal adviser.
“That is an ongoing process. The file has gone to the legal adviser. It is going to be depending on what the legal advisors say. I am as concerned as you are,” Ramjattan said.