OPPOSITION Leader, David Granger has tabled a motion in Parliament, seeking to have a Commission of Inquiry investigate the incidence of criminal violence in Guyana from 2004 to 2010.
Among the related issues, the motion addresses “unlawful killing of undetermined numbers of persons including assassinations; executions; murders; extra-judicial killings by members of the Guyana Police Force Target Special Squad” and other forms of criminal violence in this country.Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, in an invited comment, emphasised the need for constructive criticisms of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
He acknowledged that there are deviations from the code of conduct by some ranks, which reflect negatively on the entire Force, but maintained that “bashing” the police is not helpful.
Rohee said that the GPF ought to be commended for successes but “constructively” criticised when the need arises.
“It is our Force. We have to press them to do better and congratulate them for their good work also,” the minister said.
The Granger motion is premised on Article 138(1) of the Constitution, which prescribes that no person shall be deprived of life, intentionally, save in the execution of the sentence of a court in respect of an offence under the Laws of Guyana for which convicted.
It also cites the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, which states that: “The President may issue a commission appointing one or more commissioners and authorising such commissioner or commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare.”
Written By Vanessa Narine