Shot 15 year-old…GTUC calls on President Ramotar to act rather than criticize

May 06, 2014 News

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The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), over the weekend, called on the Guyana Police Force to carry out due diligence to prosecute the police officer who shot teenager, Alex Griffith, in his mouth.
Griffith. 15, was allegedly dragged from his mother’s East La Penitence home around 22:30 hrs on Wednesday and shot in the mouth by a rank who claimed that the teen had witnessed the robbery of his female relatives.
The rank has since been placed under close arrest pending the outcome of an investigation.

According to the GTUC, even if the policeman had reason to suspect or believe something untoward, it does not justify the barbaric act.
According to the public missive issued by the Union, from the reports published, it appears as though the policeman was acting in self-interest which makes it even worse.
“This is only possible in a society where the exercise of the lawless is supported by the government…The burning of 14-year-old Twyon Thomas’s genitals, baton sodomy of Colwyn Harding, and now 15-year old Griffith shot in the mouth, remain unacceptable techniques for eliciting information or confessions.”
GTUC is demanding that these acts are violations of Child Rights and must stop. “This nation cannot wait until a similar fate befalls a youth with political connections before the cruelty stops… In one accord, the nation must raise its voice for identical protection of the mighty and weak.”
According to the statement, newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, must mark his legacy by reining in and disciplining the rogues within the midst and creating a Force that strives to uphold its motto of Service and Protection.
“The police and society’s collective interest is best served building relationships based on mutual trust and respect,” according to the GTUC.
It noted, too, that a government that is yet to establish a concerted National Youth Policy to ensure the productive utilisation of this segment of Guyana’s population must take responsibility for the hopelessness and fear that grip this vulnerable group.
GTUC says too that the Administration must also take responsibility for the deficiencies in the Force.
It reminded that the Police Service Commission and Judicial Service remain inactive.
According to the GTUC, “The Administration continues its contempt for the very law it expects the police and citizenry to uphold…The non-functioning of these commissions is a violation of the Constitution, prevents the judicial branch of government from effectively doing its job, and denies addressing matters that would ensure professionalism such as appointment, grievances and discipline.”
GTUC observed that some police ranks need improvement and discipline and that the President has to do more than criticise them as was done at the opening of the recently held Police Officers’ Conference.
“As Commander-in-Chief, Head of State and Head of Government…  the President can act to bring about the change the society yearns for and has been calling for…President Ramotar can start by ensuring immediate appointment of constitutionally mandated commissions, implementing recommendations outlined in the Disciplined Forces Commission Report and the Linden Commission of Inquiry, to name some.”
According to the GTUC, effective policing is not only dependent on the police.
It said that whilst the police force plays a major part in crime control, prevention is also important.
“The government has primary responsibility to create the enabling environment like ensuring a living wage/salary, taking the young off the streets by re-opening National Service or some form of second opportunity because hopelessness and despair would drive some to criminal activities.”
GTUC noted too that unabated white colour crime and the police being made to feel some are above the law, when the law offers them no such protection undermines the rule of law and sends wrong signals to the society.
“Misdirecting taxpayers’ money and granting tax concessions, for mega concerts is not youth development…Concerts cannot address unemployment, underemployment and street corner liming among the young.”
According to the GTUC, these concerts serve as temporary opium, dulling the hopelessness and despair the young still have to confront when the partying is over.
“The society is being robbed of developing a human capital base to take responsibility and be involved in the present in order to improve the future for themselves and their offspring.
“The nation is risking a group being denied a sound future with the Administration’s ‘do nothing policy’ that is not only leading to rampant brain drain but also creation of insensitivity and irresponsibility.”

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