Comments on a suicide in a police station

Dec 07, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
It has become blatantly apparent that no one is safe in Guyana even from his/her own self. The recent death of teenager Maurice Sumner who was found hanging in his cell at the Mackenzie Police Station certainly bears some truth to this statement. The hapless teenager had been arrested for allegedly wounding his uncle, who was briefly hospitalized. Needless to say, despite the fact that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, the very nature of the occurrence in itself not only speaks volumes but casts a very negative light on the current state of security in Guyana.
To partly quote the late Nelson Mandela, “A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones”. On my part, no form of judgment will be forthcoming, preferring instead to let the facts speak for themselves. The holding cell at any police station is only a temporary facility, but is nevertheless a link in the justice process and an integral part of the custodial chain. Once placed in custody the picture changes dramatically, for the inmate / individual has a constitutional right to be protected from harm which also includes protection from harming one’s self.
The death of Maurice Sumner can also be looked at as an anomaly on a statistical level, as deaths in holding cells are disproportionately uncommon. On a careful analysis of the time line pertinent to his demise, it is opportune to pose the question as to what manner of care / supervision was given up to the discovery of his lifeless body. In September 1966, Guyana became a member of the United Nations and as such is governed by the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Was the teenager monitored in accordance with any existing policy? What means of monitoring was in effect?
Medical examiners have stated that it takes about ten to twelve minutes for someone to die by hanging in the selfsame manner as the victim. Were the policemen able to carry out physical or video monitoring, for there was certainly enough time for the prisoner to fashion his death device, select his object of suspension etc. Sadly there are some other blatantly disturbing aspects of this incident which further diminishes public confidence in those who have sworn to protect and serve. Or is the citizenry being succinctly treated to their just deserve?
As the investigations continue I can’t help but in some way draw an analogy between the place and cause of Sumner’s death and the venue of Colwyn Harding’s demise. Not wanting to rehash any painful pasts or evoke bitter memories, it should not be forgotten that the beating of Colwyn Harding took place in a police outpost and then continued for some time in a police station. Sadly, despite all the publicity, social media exposure, transfer and demotion of ranks, a sane thinker would have thought that there would be measures put in place to capture any mistreatment or personal misconduct of those being held in custody. The particulars of Maurice Sumner’s death remains enshrouded in mystery, and sounds like a judicial science fiction. Had he managed to survive, Guyanese might have caught a whiff of progress through admission of fault on the part of the officers involved, and exposure of real inaptitude by those who profess to be serving and protecting.
It is my sincere wish that the agency (Police Office of Professional Responsibility) mandated to investigate the circumstances do conduct a thorough unbiased investigation, and at best come up with some suggestions that would totally eradicate the possibility of further or future recurrences. Pardon my nagging fear, but nevertheless permit me to inquire as to the presence of a civilian member on the board of those investigating. After all, the fox can only look after the hen house when he has proven to be a true vegan.
Yvonne Sam

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Comments on a suicide in a police station

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