THE PNC, last week, gave notice of its motion to be tabled in Parliament calling for the Police Commissioner to investigate complaints of some police abusing their powers of arrest and detention, thereby breaching the fundamental rights of citizens.

The opposition party claimed it had received countrywide complaints about the police’s discriminatory conduct and victimisation of ordinary citizens.
The PNC said it would not allow this serious matter to slip under the radar.

At this point, the party said it is still awaiting the Police Commissioner’s response to a request to discuss the crisis.
Additionally, the PNC stated it urgently expects the debate and passage of its motion in Parliament.

Firstly, it seems like the PNC is striving for relevance and attention. The party knows fully well that there is no crisis in Guyana.
It simply wants to embarrass the Commissioner and his ranks because the PNC is opportunistic and petty.

It was hoping to pull away the attention from the more serious issues that were being discussed at the Annual Police Officers’ Conference but ended up failing miserably.
Secondly, the motion is flawed and premature. It should be withdrawn from the House.

In any case, it is badly structured in language and content.
Apart from being political and not about the citizens’ complaints against the police, it does not meet the criteria or standard of a motion that is urgent, according to the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

So, one cannot see this motion being passed in its present form without any amendments. Added to that, PPP MPs are not likely to support it because it seeks to undermine the police efforts in the realm of maintaining law and order.

Thirdly, as an MP and former Magistrate, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, in whose name the motion stands, should instead furnish the Police Commissioner, head of police divisions, or senior policemen with the specific cases detailing the accusations and alleged culprits.

Additionally, she should direct all the complainants to the Police Complaints Authority as a responsible MP.

Fourthly, the policemen and women need citizens’ support and cooperation to fight crime in every part of this country. They are the ones keeping our communities and towns safe from the merciless criminals and those who support them in their quest to make Guyana ungovernable.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has already called on the Police Force recently to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. He pledged more equipment and tools to fight crime while reiterating the need for a well-trained and disciplined Force.

This move by the President demonstrates his confidence in the Police Force.

Despite the few and sardonic instances where there is cause for concern, the police, most times, show regards for the constitutional rights and human rights of citizens. There are records of the police moving to the courts for more time to keep certain personalities in custody as police conduct the necessary investigations.

Finally, the motion should be withdrawn as it is more a political motion.
It would be important for the Opposition to go on a walk-about and listen to the citizens’ security concerns generally and not cherry-pick an issue to highlight.

They must understand that unless they utilise the various national organisations and working security groups at their disposal, the issue is neither ripe for Parliament nor will be taken seriously.

The Opposition must show unconditional support for the Police Force publicly. It is no wonder that the police commissioner has not acknowledged or responded as yet to the opposition’s call for a meeting. Perhaps, he knows the PNC is playing usual politics with this motion and trying desperately to get him involved in its political games.

This motion is not urgent. It is politically mischievous.