President Ramotar says Police Force must have no ‘sacred cows’

Mar 02, 2012 News

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-but dodges questions on Henry Greene’s fate

 

President Donald Ramotar yesterday dodged questions about the possible fate of embattled Commissioner of Police  Henry  Greene, but warned that the Force should have ”no sacred cows”, and that the law should take its course against transgressors.
President Ramotar made the remarks, while delivering the feature address at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, during the opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Annual Conference.

Those present included Opposition Leader David Granger, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell and retired Police Commissioners Winston Felix and Laurie Lewis. Greene himself was a no-show.
In his maiden address at such a conference, Ramotar heaped praise on the Force for curbing the crime wave that had gripped the country a few years ago, while honouring the ranks who were slain or wounded during that era. He also commended the ranks for their work during the recent General Elections.
“I salute the men and women who brought an end to this infamous crime wave that we endured, and I salute the men and women who lost their lives.”
But he also chided the Force about sloppy investigations and corruption within the institution.
“Recent incidents have not helped to enhance the image of the Force. Corruption (in the Force) must be dealt with condignly. You cannot deny that a few members of the Force have tarnished the good image of the organization by their involvement in corrupt activities. All forms of corruption must be rooted out. There should be no sacred cows. If by chance there is alleged corruption, then the law should take its course. This organization must be an example of cleanliness and transparency.”
But, after his feature address, a smiling President Ramotar declined to comment on the Greene sexual assault issue when reporters surrounded him as he was preparing to leave.
Greene, who is on leave at present, is under investigation for allegedly raping a woman who came to him for assistance in November 2011. The DPP has recommended that he be charged, but the Commissioner, who said that the sex was consensual, was granted an injunction by the high court which prevents the police from instituting a rape charge against him.
Ramotar also expressed concern about the poor preparation of court cases by the police.
“Police investigation must be thorough, and must be on justifiable grounds. Too many cases are thrown out of court; too many criminals are allowed to walk free because often the police are not preparing the cases in the proper way. You must also be careful not to violate the rights of any citizen.”
Ramotar described the Force as one of Guyana’s oldest, with a “strong and proud” record of service to the people of Guyana.
“You are inheritors of a rich and proud history, created by those who came before you.” He urged the ranks to “build on this institute and make it one that all Guyanese can be proud of.”
The Head-of-State told guests that successive PPP administrations have worked to improve the conditions “of this glorious institution”.
“In 1992, many police stations were in a state of neglect…conditions under which ranks had to work sapped their motivation and morale. In 1992, the total expenditure for the Force was $45.5M. In 2011, $484.3M was spent on the Force.” He noted that new stations were opened, others were renovated, and the Force also received other resources.
Ramotar said that the PPP administration also enhanced the legislative framework (such as allowing plea-bargaining and allowing audio-video testimony in court) to enhance the work of the police. The President also spoke of the Crime Observatory, which maps crime trends, the training courses for ranks and the building of the Forensic laboratory as ways in which his administration has worked to enhance the crime–fighting capabilities of the Force.
Therefore, he said, the Government “expects and demands” increased stewardship of the Police”, while emphasizing that the resources assigned to the Force must be taken care of.
Speaking of challenges that the lawmen face, Ramotar alluded to the scourge of drug trafficking, which he described as “a major issue for peace-loving citizens of Guyana”, and which has had a corrupting influence on the society. Another issue was the rise in domestic violence, to which he urged ranks to pay keener attention.
“The police must take this issue seriously. Every report must be acted upon, because the neglect of them has led to tragic loss of life.”
He also challenged ranks to work to improve the image of the Force with the public, since the support of the public is important to crime solving. An enhanced image would also attract applicants to the Force.
“I call on you to work with me to ensure that the people of this country feel safer.”

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