Latest update August 20th, 2026 12:07 AM
WIN MP demands urgent police reforms in face of Corentyne teen’s death
(Kaieteur News) – The shocking death of 16-year-old Altaf King on Thursday has intensified public concern over police conduct in Guyana, sparking fresh calls for reforms within the Guyana Police Force.
Dead; Altaf King
The teenager, of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, died after an incident along the Princetown Public Road, where eyewitnesses alleged, he was struck during a police pursuit while riding a motorcycle. His death has triggered widespread anger in the community and drawn condemnation from opposition political figures.
We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Toshana Famey-Corlette has joined growing calls for accountability, urging a comprehensive review of police operational procedures, particularly in pursuit situations.
WIN MP, Toshana Famey-Corlette
In a statement, Famey-Corlette said conflicting accounts surrounding the teenager’s death require a full, impartial and transparent investigation.
“His family deserves the truth, and the public deserves confidence that every aspect of this incident will be properly examined,” she said.
Police have stated that the teenager was being pursued when he reportedly crashed into a utility pole. However, eyewitness accounts at the scene have challenged that version of events, insisting that he was struck during the chase.
The MP said the incident reflects a broader pattern of concern involving alleged excessive force and questioned whether existing use-of-force policies are being properly reviewed and enforced within the Guyana Police Force.
She further pointed to repeated public concerns over deaths in police custody and the use of firearms, arguing that official assurances of investigations have done little to restore public confidence.
“The public is no longer asking what will happen after another tragedy. They want to know what is being done to prevent the next one,” she said.
Famey-Corlette emphasised that while most ranks serve professionally, a small number of incidents continue to undermine public trust in the force, and called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to outline concrete steps being taken to address the issue.
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron has promised a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, King’s mother, Padmini Megnauth, remains distraught, calling for justice following the death of her only son.
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