Following alleged compromising of ranks in Berbice murder…Public Security Ministry to monitor future donations to Police Force

Dec 12, 2016 News

“We do not want to see businessmen giving and expecting that they, having committed a crime, will now see that CPG group or police force compromising the investigation thereafter,”

– Minister Ramjattan

Last June, the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation funded the construction of a new wing of the Traffic Department at the Skeldon Police Station.
In a Facebook post, the foundation said, “The new wing will help to employ more people. Provide a better working environment for current staff; help the police department in Skeldon to function as a whole and work together to prevent hit and run accidents and fatalities.”
The Foundation also donated $2M to a Berbice Community Policing Group.
Five months later, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued a wanted bulletin for Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder of a carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt on November 01, last.
For the murder, two police ranks are in hot water after allegations surfaced that they tried to cover up the initial stage of the investigation, indicating that Narinedatt’s death was a hit and run accident when evidence suggested that it was a murder.

Bisram makes a $2.5 donation to a Community Policing Group

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

It is believed that during one of Bisram’s many donations to the police station, he befriended police officers who were allegedly willing to turn a blind eye on allegations made against the overseas-based Guyanese.
A Community Policing official was also questioned about allegedly threatening the slain carpenter’s family over their naming of suspects.
In light of this scandal, the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said that his Ministry will examine new protocols for the Guyana Police Force when receiving donations, so that professionalism is not compromised.
At a recent press conference, Ramjattan indicated that he may establish protocols that will stipulate that donations to the Force are made through his Ministry.

Murder suspect, Marcus Brian Bisram and Police Officers during the launch of the new wing at the Skeldon Police Station

The two detectives pictured with murder fugitive, Marcus Brian Bisram

The current operational protocol states that donations to the GPF must be made to the Commissioner of Police.
The Minister noted that this protocol will be enforced in the meantime so that police officers’ professionalism is not compromised.
He indicated that donations by businesses often help to meet an immediate need of police stations and officers.
“Indeed, there are times when the police and or the CPGs (Community Policing Groups) require the assistance of businessmen and there are genuine businessmen who give without wanting anything in return, and who will never compromise the professionalism of the police force,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that individuals should not expect that they will be protected from prosecution because they make donations to the Force.
“We do not want to see businessmen giving and expecting that they, having committed a crime, will now see that CPG group or police force compromising the investigation thereafter,” Minister Ramjattan said.
Bisram has since hired two US attorneys.
In a statement last week, US attorneys, Mario Gallucci and John Ciurcina, said that they have been retained to handle Bisram’s “American interests and work in conjunction with foreign counsel.”
“Mr. Bisram would first and foremost give his condolences to the family of Faiyaz Narinedatt.
Mr. Bisram denies the rumours, lies and speculation that have been circulating throughout the Guyanese community.
“His attorneys have been, and continue to be in contact and co-operate with the Guyanese authorities and local counsel.”
But the statement did not indicate whether Bisram will be returning to Guyana to clear his name.

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