Police refute boat purchase article

May 26, 2010 News

The Guyana Police Force has refuted reports that it has purchased a $19M twin-engine boat which has never worked.
The report in last Thursday’s Kaieteur News alleged that the vessel, which was purchased last year, developed mechanical problems during its first trial run.
But according to the police release, the vessel was never handed over to the police.
“The boat was sourced, and while being tested by the supplier it was discovered that there were difficulties with the vessel which, as a result, was never handed over to or accepted by the Police Force,” the release said.
“The…article…appears to be yet another mischievous attempt by the media to besmirch the image of the Guyana Police Force.
“The Guyana Police Force also refutes a statement made in the article that ‘earlier this year at the opening of the Police Officers’ Conference, Police Commissioner Henry Greene, when asked about the delay in putting the vessel into operation, confirmed that the vessel which was reported as brand new had developed engine problems.
“He did indicate at the time that the Force was trying to secure the requisite spare parts and if that failed, then the purchase of two new engines would be contemplated.”
“The Commissioner of Police has indicated that he never made such a statement that the Force was trying to secure the spare parts, as the Police Force will not and cannot be involved in the acquisition of parts for a vessel that was never handed over to the police in the first place.
“Currently the Ministry of Home Affairs and the supplier are in negotiations towards a resolution in this matter.”
According to the Kaieteur News article, the vessel is now lying at a wharf at Parika.
It added that the police had announced the official handing over of the vessel some time last year but had cancelled it without explanation, following the malfunctioning of the boat.

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