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Man claims CANU ranks tied him to post, beat him unconscious
July 30, 2011 | By KNews | Filed Under News

…father collapses and dies on hearing news


  • Head of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit, James Singh, has denied allegations that his ranks inflicted a severe beating on a Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara resident, on Tuesday causing him to be hospitalized.
    Seshnarayan Dwarka is alleging that he was taken from his home around 05:00hrs by CANU ranks on Monday after they conducted a search and came up empty handed.

  • Seshnarayan Dwarka displays injuries on arms and belly

  • Yesterday, Dwarka recounted a story of being pulled from his home, with a black bag placed over his head and about 15 ranks beating him about the body.

  • He also showed Kaieteur News photographs of his bruised and distended stomach.
    Kaieteur News was told by Dwarka that after he was taken from his home, he was handcuffed and taken into a tinted motorcar.

  • He was then taken to CANU headquarters on Homestretch Avenue for further questioning.
    The man said that the officers started questioning him about some β€œmissing drugs and a Blackberry cell phone”.

  • β€œThey asking me to tell them where the drugs and cell phone deh…I say I ain’t know nothing…I does walk and sell,” Dwarka told Kaieteur News yesterday.

  • He said the ranks became more hostile towards him and started using threats in an effort to get him to talk about the β€œmissing items”.

  • Dwarka said that he was placed in a room with about 15 ranks who started beating him about the body to make him talk.

  • A black bag was then placed over his head and Dwarka alleges that the ranks stared stomping him in the abdomen.

  • The man said that during the beating he maintained that he knew nothing about the drugs or the missing cell phone.

  • Later that same day, Dwarka said that his wife, Kavita, went to CANU headquarters to query why he was arrested and was being detained even though the police found nothing in the home.

  • According to the wife, the ranks told her that he was being questioned about β€œmissing cocaine and a Blackberry cell phone” and that she shouldn’t worry about anything.
    Her request to see her husband was granted, and according to her his entire face, hands and abdomen appeared to be swollen and discoloured.
    The woman was eventually sent away. β€œThey asked her not to contact any lawyer since they were going to release me after more questioning,” Dwarka said.

  • Seconds after his wife left, Dwarka said that the ranks tied him to a post and started beating him again.

  • This time he said that the beating was so severe that he was rendered unconscious. He was revived after the ranks threw a bucket of water on him.

  • After this, Dwarka alleges that the ranks placed him in a vehicle and took him to the Le Repentir Cemetery, where the beating continued.
    They allegedly spent about 30 minutes in the burial ground, before they went back to CANU headquarters.

  • β€œAll de time in de burial ground they deh beating…then they turn and say they gun pay me to tell them is where de things deh,” Dwarka explained.

  • Dwarka was eventually released on Tuesday after his father died. According to Dwarka, his father suffered from hypertension and collapsed after hearing about the incident.

  • The man said that the CANU ranks told him to return. Instead, he sought the services of prominent defence attorney lawyer, Nigel Hughes.
    The attorney told Kaieteur News yesterday that he will be filing criminal and civil charges against CANU come next week.

  • Meanwhile, head of CANU, James Singh yesterday denied any wrongdoing on his agency’s part.

  • According to Singh, Dwarka came into the office for questioning into the missing items.
    He said that the man admitted that he took the items and gave a statement to this effect. Singh said that Dwarka left the office without any marks on his body and expressed puzzlement at the man’s allegations.

  • Investigations into the matter are continuing.
FM
When I saw this report today, I couldn't help but reflect back to the similar cases like the two young Buxtonians who were tortured just over two years ago, and the young lad from Linden who was flogged by security personnel. In both cases, those matters were made public and brushed aside. Is it any wonder that we should have subsequently observed the shooting death of a fourth form high school lad from the West Bank Demerara and the torture of a fourteen year old shortly after that? This is just the latest in a long string of episodes, but now as we can observe - not limited in the treatment of only particular ethnicities. Which is the very thing those who spoke out before warned against, for it was only a matter of time that all, regardless of ethnicity will be thusly dealt with.
FM
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
When I saw this report today, I couldn't help but reflect back to the similar cases like the two young Buxtonians who were tortured just over two years ago, and the young lad from Linden who was flogged by security personnel. In both cases, those matters were made public and brushed aside. Is it any wonder that we should have subsequently observed the shooting death of a fourth form high school lad from the West Bank Demerara and the torture of a fourteen year old shortly after that? This is just the latest in a long string of episodes, but now as we can observe - not limited in the treatment of only particular ethnicities. Which is the very thing those who spoke out before warned against, for it was only a matter of time that all, regardless of ethnicity will be thusly dealt with.


The monster created does not care about ethnicity its only a matter of time until it devour its creator....
sachin_05
quote:
Originally posted by sachin_05:
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
When I saw this report today, I couldn't help but reflect back to the similar cases like the two young Buxtonians who were tortured just over two years ago, and the young lad from Linden who was flogged by security personnel. In both cases, those matters were made public and brushed aside. Is it any wonder that we should have subsequently observed the shooting death of a fourth form high school lad from the West Bank Demerara and the torture of a fourteen year old shortly after that? This is just the latest in a long string of episodes, but now as we can observe - not limited in the treatment of only particular ethnicities. Which is the very thing those who spoke out before warned against, for it was only a matter of time that all, regardless of ethnicity will be thusly dealt with.


The monster created does not care about ethnicity its only a matter of time until it devour its creator....
Indeed sachin and squingy. Prak (Ramjattan) was crucified when he would speak out; the PPP kept saying he was defending criminals. Well at some point the chickens do come home to roost...
FM
No.8 Village man alleges beating by police
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

A 54-year-old resident of No. 8 Village, West Coast Berbice said he was beaten by the police around 11 pm on Friday and locked up for two days even though he did not commit any offence. Gregory Reynolds, a rice farmer/taxi driver who was asked to return to the station this morning told Stabroek News that he intends to take the matter to the Police Complaints Authority tomorrow. Police commanders have not been speaking to the media so it was not possible to get a comment from the police on Reynolds’ allegations yesterday.


Gregory Reynolds

He visited the doctor upon his release yesterday morning and was in severe pain about his body. He said the police kicked and cuffed him and he is still baffled as to why he received such inhumane treatment. He recalled that around 6:30 pm β€œtwo police vehicles and a private car went into the village looking for somebody they said assaulted a woman.” At the same time he was standing at the bus shed with four other persons awaiting transportation to go out. He said a policeman β€œasked me if I know β€˜London’ and I said no. The officer then told him to β€œmove from here [off the road]…” but he remained. He was shocked when a vehicle with seven police officers showed up at his house and woke him up. He asked what they wanted and they said they wanted to β€œtalk to me.”

Reynolds said β€œas soon as I go in the yard they kicked down the gate and started to beat me. I raise up my hands and said man wah y’all beating me for and one said β€˜you ain’t looking after wah we beating you fuh…’” According to him, they then grabbed him and threw him in the pick-up and kicked him and lashed him with the gun-butt. The police then took him to the station and one of them – [a young officer] β€œchucked me and I said β€˜look brother, this is enough. I would like to see the person in charge and he said he is the [expletive] man in charge of the station.” He pointed out that β€œI would like the people in authority and the public to know what these police are doing. Up to now I don’t know why they treated me like that.”

Source
FM
Customer claims police also beat him at White Castle
AUGUST 9, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A customer of the White Castle Fish Shop is claiming that police ranks also assaulted him Friday night at the popular hangout spot on Hadfield Street. The customer, who gave his name as Justin Cozier, said that he was assaulted along with proprietor, Jermaine Langevine and his staff. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force Tactical Services Unit (TSU) are accused of assaulting the entrepreneur and two of his staff, Delon Williams and Pearl Haynes last Friday night after Langevine questioned the untimely closure of his business place by the lawmen.


Justin Cozier

Cozier told Kaieteur News yesterday that Langevine was β€œliming” with him before the police came, and after they dragged Langevine to the back of the pick-up, he merely enquired about the reason for the treatment of the businessman and was gun-butted about three times. β€œI was going to the (police) van to ask about Jermaine and one of the police man tell me to shut me mouth and hit me wid he gun in me face. He hold me foot and throw me in de van with Jermaine and Delon (Williams). He fired shots,” Cozier recounted yesterday.

The ranks had swooped down at the location at around 10:30pm and ordered the businessman to stop activities at the establishment for the night. Eyewitnesses stated that Langevine told them he had a different order from the Commander of β€˜A’ Division. Nevertheless, Langevine ordered the DJ to turn off the music and called the Commander, George Vyphuis, from his mobile phone. The ranks reacted; immediately they grabbed Langevine’s dreadlocks, took away his phone and dragged him around inside the building. β€œI don’t care who is Vyphuis, shut down this f%$#@& place now,” one of the ranks said.

The Commander had given the night spot up to 1am Saturday morning to provide entertainment on their busiest day, which is on Fridays. After the ranks grabbed Langevine, one of the waitresses, Pearl Haynes questioned their behaviour and the result was a gun butt to her head and another one to her mouth. The police hauled Langevine by his hair to the back of their pickup truck. One of the businessman’s assistants, Delon Williams, asked the reason for the mistreatment of his boss and received a lash to his face with a rifle. He was then thrown in the back of the pickup. All the men, including Cozier, spent the night in the police lockups.

Cozier said that he wants to see justice served because until now, he is still at a loss to figure out the reason behind his treatment, which he called β€œabuse”. He said that they were not charged and the police have engaged them for statements on the matter. When contacted yesterday, Langevine said that the matter is now in the hands of the law. He said that he met with senior officials at the Criminal Investigation Department and they have given all assurance that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. He stated that he will provide evidence that was captured on his security cameras around the premises.

Source
FM
Man alleges police brutality
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2011

A man last evening sustained injuries to his face after he was allegedly beaten by police officers, following a fall out over loud music that he was playing. Kwame Caldeira, 32, said that he was hit repeatedly to his face by the police and suffered a badly swollen lip as a result.

Speaking to this newspaper last evening, Caldeira, a close relative to African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) executive Violet Jean-Baptiste, said he was hanging with friends at the corners of Sixth and Albert streets, with music playing from his vehicle, when he saw a police vehicle approaching. He said that he immediately turned the music down even before it reached his car.

However, he added that the police later emerged from their carβ€”there were four police officers in the vehicleβ€”and an argument later ensued. He said that at one point some of the officers insisted that he go to the station and he questioned why. β€œOne of dem say leh we go to the sation,” and β€œI say β€˜I ain’ going nowhere,” he recounted. He said that an officer held on to him and he chucked him, after which an officer removed his gun and struck him to his lip.

Caldeira said that back up was summoned and he was escorted to the Alberttown Police Station. At the police station, Caldeira alleged that he was punched by two plain clothes officers. One of Caldeira’s friends said that he and his friends followed the police to the station but were not allowed in. He said that he saw when his friend was hit by the police officers in the station. Caldeira had both his hands and feet handcuffed while he was in the station.

Caldeira said he was released without any charge and without bail. β€œThey let me out of the station with no bail or charges. The instruction was to β€œgo to the hospital, have a medical done and come back on Monday.” Caldeira believed that the conduct by the police was unprofessional and uncalled for, saying that the police had no case to ask him to go to the station or to use force.

Source
FM
quote:
Originally posted by Nehru:
This reminds me of some Criminals in America. They will find a priest or politician to praise them and say what a wonderful person they are and their parents will swear that their children are Angels. It happens all the time. In fact, everyone is Mahatma Ghandi. partybanana partybanana
Where is this related to people being abused by rogue cops?
FM
18 year old to file law suit against Attorney General, Police
AUGUST 15, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

An 18 year old who was locked up at the Central police station by ranks of the Joint Services for over 18 hrs without being given food, water or even allowed a phone call is set to seek redress through the High Court. Prominent Attorney at law Mursaline Bacchus has dispatched a notice to the Attorney General that he intends to file a constitutional motion seeking remedy in the high court of Guyana for his client Rawle Carter who was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned by members of the Joint services.

In the notice addressed to the Attorney General of Guyana At 95 Carmichael Street North Cummingsburg Georgetown, the Attorney General has approximately one month upon receipt of the said notice to respond or settle the matter, failing which the attorney will move to the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana for damages for trespass to the person, it further stated that for that on the 19th day of June 2011 a member of the Guyana Police Force unlawfully arrested his client at Cumberland East Canje Berbice and imprisoned him at Central Police station lock-up until the 20th of June.

The young man who has never been involved in a police story and some others were picked up by a joint services patrol on the evening of Sunday 19th whilst on his way home on his bicycle before being dumped into a police pickup and thrown into the lock ups. He was never told why he was arrested until they were at the station, where they were told they were arrested for rape allegations. His request for a phone call was met with a series of expletives. He was booked and placed in the lock ups with the others. They were subsequently taken out and told to take off their clothes, where they were checked for marks, and or tattoos before being thrown back into the lock ups.

Sometime around Midday on Monday they were again taken out of the lock up and questioned. They were never read their rights (about having a lawyer, their parents or the right to remain silent). After the statement they were again placed into the lockups. All the time they were not given any food, water or allowed a phone call. His relatives had no clue where he was. Around twilight on Monday they were escorted out of the lock ups again where they were questioned once more, after which they were told to go home and return on Wednesday.

At the station on Wednesday, accompanied by his mother, they met a senior officer .They were told that the matter was finished and the officer apologized on behalf of the Guyana police force for the tardiness of the ranks on duty and for not being allowed a phone call.

Source
FM
Police forced my son to fetch a truck load of sand-mother alleges
AUGUST 21, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Bibi Fazeela Rayman of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara is calling on Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and the Home Minister Affairs Clement Rohee to investigate some policemen who took advantage of her 15-year-old son. The mother of two said that her son Balkaram Teekram was sent to collect something on Friday last from a friend in the village and while on his way he was stopped by a jeep load of β€œblack clothes” policemen who told him to jump into the vehicle.


Bibi Fazeela Rayman

The woman said that residents who saw the incident informed her that her son willingly complied with the police’s orders. She subsequently visited the Leonora Police Station where she explained what was told to her and after making enquiries about her son, she was told that he was at the La Grange Police Station. But after checking there and not finding her son, the woman made an official complaint and subsequently met with the Divisional Commander who ordered that the youth be brought to the Leonora Police Station after learning that he was in police custody. The lad was later released into the custody of his parents.

Yesterday the 15-year-old Balkaram Teekram told this newspaper that policemen in black clothing with large guns had stopped him on Friday, while he was walking on the road and told him to jump into their vehicle. The youth explained that he was taken into Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara where he was made to fetch sand into a yard for an hour. After the involuntary ordeal, the lad was taken to the Leonora Police Station where he was handed over to his parents. β€œThe police gave me a $1,000 before they bring me back.”

The woman is alleging that what had happened can be considered kidnapping since her son was made to go somewhere involuntary without even contacting any relative to tell them of his whereabouts. β€œI am going to the Ministry of Human Services and ask them if people children are just treated so cruelly,” She said.

Source
FM
This is my recommendation to a new government (Preferably an AFC lead GOG, of course!) of Guyana:

1. Enact legislation to specifically change the legal and procedural authority of the Police Service Commission so that it is not an impediment to needed changes in the operations of the police component within the general security sector. Also establish in law the independence of the operational authority of the police, but still being accountable to the political directorate through parliament.

2. Enact legislation to sunset the existing police force within eighteen months, thus providing for a total disbanding of the existing force.

3. Meanwhile, create a parallel police department to fill the space created by the intentional disbanding of the old police force with the assistance of key funding from ABC countries, and with specific assistance from entities such as RCMP, Scotland Yard and the FBI, install key personnel to head a new Police Department with the objective of training locals to assume leadership positions within four years in the new police department.

4. Invite applications for recruitment into the new police department, based on recruitment criteria as now successfully employed in the ABC countries, but also reviewing similar practices especially in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and Barbados.

5. Invest in a programme of public awareness to the citizens of Guyana, informing them of their rights and responsibilities in general as regarding policing and a well functioning security sector.
FM
How the hell could the police abduct and put to slave labor a kid and this does not raise the ire of the administration? This is the worse thing that can be happening; law enforcement enslaving kids and no one takes notice. The PPP is courting what is happening in Libya with its casual indifference to these atrocious behavior by law enforcers.
FM
quote:
Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:
Police forced my son to fetch a truck load of sand-mother alleges
AUGUST 21, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Bibi Fazeela Rayman of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara is calling on Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and the Home Minister Affairs Clement Rohee to investigate some policemen who took advantage of her 15-year-old son. The mother of two said that her son Balkaram Teekram was sent to collect something on Friday last from a friend in the village and while on his way he was stopped by a jeep load of β€œblack clothes” policemen who told him to jump into the vehicle.


Bibi Fazeela Rayman

The woman said that residents who saw the incident informed her that her son willingly complied with the police’s orders. She subsequently visited the Leonora Police Station where she explained what was told to her and after making enquiries about her son, she was told that he was at the La Grange Police Station. But after checking there and not finding her son, the woman made an official complaint and subsequently met with the Divisional Commander who ordered that the youth be brought to the Leonora Police Station after learning that he was in police custody. The lad was later released into the custody of his parents.

Yesterday the 15-year-old Balkaram Teekram told this newspaper that policemen in black clothing with large guns had stopped him on Friday, while he was walking on the road and told him to jump into their vehicle. The youth explained that he was taken into Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara where he was made to fetch sand into a yard for an hour. After the involuntary ordeal, the lad was taken to the Leonora Police Station where he was handed over to his parents. β€œThe police gave me a $1,000 before they bring me back.”

The woman is alleging that what had happened can be considered kidnapping since her son was made to go somewhere involuntary without even contacting any relative to tell them of his whereabouts. β€œI am going to the Ministry of Human Services and ask them if people children are just treated so cruelly,” She said.

Source
Boy Gerhard, this one beat them all, catch the child and force him to work for them
FM
quote:
The woman is alleging that what had happened can be considered kidnapping since her son was made to go somewhere involuntary without even contacting any relative to tell them of his whereabouts. β€œI am going to the Ministry of Human Services and ask them if people children are just treated so cruelly,” She said.



I would like to hear Priya Manickchand's take on this one. Or is it gonna be brushed under the rugs?
Mitwah
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
This is my recommendation to a new government (Preferably an AFC lead GOG, of course!) of Guyana:

1. Enact legislation to specifically change the legal and procedural authority of the Police Service Commission so that it is not an impediment to needed changes in the operations of the police component within the general security sector. Also establish in law the independence of the operational authority of the police, but still being accountable to the political directorate through parliament.

2. Enact legislation to sunset the existing police force within eighteen months, thus providing for a total disbanding of the existing force.

3. Meanwhile, create a parallel police department to fill the space created by the intentional disbanding of the old police force with the assistance of key funding from ABC countries, and with specific assistance from entities such as RCMP, Scotland Yard and the FBI, install key personnel to head a new Police Department with the objective of training locals to assume leadership positions within four years in the new police department.

4. Invite applications for recruitment into the new police department, based on recruitment criteria as now successfully employed in the ABC countries, but also reviewing similar practices especially in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and Barbados.

5. Invest in a programme of public awareness to the citizens of Guyana, informing them of their rights and responsibilities in general as regarding policing and a well functioning security sector.
Thank you squingy, I will pass this on. For points 2 and 3, have these been done anywhere else? Mind you, I am not saying it can't work, as I am no expert on security.
FM
Soldier’s mother fears for his life - accuses army of torturing her son
AUGUST 23, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS
By Dale Andrews

The mother of a young soldier in the Guyana Defence Force has expressed concern for his safety following reports that he is being inhumanely treated while in custody at army headquarters, Camp Ayanganna. Avril Haley told Kaieteur News that she has received reports that her son, private Dane Newton, was stripped, beaten and made to lie on a wet concrete floor for more than a day as punishment for reportedly refusing to perform guard duties.

This newspaper contacted the Guyana Defence Force for a comment on the matter and an official there indicated that the army would not be commenting on the matter since it was not in receipt of a formal complaint. Haley had contacted this newspaper over the past weekend and indicated that she was reliably informed of the treatment meted out to her son. The information, she said, was obtained from an officer at Camp Ayanganna who was upset by what he saw. The officer reportedly took photographs of the naked private with a sheet wrapped around his body.

Haley said that she is not sure what led to her son’s present position, but she believes that it has to do with a strained relationship between him and his immediate superior. The woman told Kaieteur News that she learnt that her son had requested time off to visit her upon learning that she had injured her foot, but the request was denied. According to Haley, her son allegedly objected to guard duty and was arrested by the army’s military police. She said that her son was recently detained for 42 days after he reportedly threatened to shoot an officer apparently out of frustration of being constantly victimised. β€œI worked there and there were times when I had to go to higher authorities to represent him against false allegations,” said an obviously disturbed Avril Haley.

She believes that her son’s troubles stem right back to 2008 when his cousin, prison inmate Edwin Niles was caught in the Georgetown Prison with a few rounds of ammunition in his pocket, hours after leaving the army headquarters work for the day. He had claimed that he was unaware that the items were in a pair of pants that he had obtained from the location. Niles was beaten to death by prison authorities and members of the GDF intelligence arm. A post mortem confirmed that he suffered some amount of torture.

Haley said that during the investigation to determine how Niles got the ammunition, her son was arrested and locked up by army personnel after it was learnt that he was related to Niles. Haley said that she fears for her son’s life, especially since she is constantly reminded of the fate that was meted out to her nephew Edwin Niles. β€œIf he does not leave the system soon, he will end up dead and I can’t wait for that,” Haley told Kaieteur News. She said that Newton had applied on several occasions to leave the army, but his requests were denied. β€œEvery time he apply for SOS, it is not being granted. If he get a stripe today, the next couple months he getting lock up for something, and he lose he stripe. He ain’t making progress in there,” Haley stated.

This is not the first time that the army has been accused of action that points to some amount of torture and it certainly is not the first time the allegation has come from a member of the organization.

Source
FM
quote:
Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
This is my recommendation to a new government (Preferably an AFC lead GOG, of course!) of Guyana:

1. Enact legislation to specifically change the legal and procedural authority of the Police Service Commission so that it is not an impediment to needed changes in the operations of the police component within the general security sector. Also establish in law the independence of the operational authority of the police, but still being accountable to the political directorate through parliament.

2. Enact legislation to sunset the existing police force within eighteen months, thus providing for a total disbanding of the existing force.

3. Meanwhile, create a parallel police department to fill the space created by the intentional disbanding of the old police force with the assistance of key funding from ABC countries, and with specific assistance from entities such as RCMP, Scotland Yard and the FBI, install key personnel to head a new Police Department with the objective of training locals to assume leadership positions within four years in the new police department.

4. Invite applications for recruitment into the new police department, based on recruitment criteria as now successfully employed in the ABC countries, but also reviewing similar practices especially in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and Barbados.

5. Invest in a programme of public awareness to the citizens of Guyana, informing them of their rights and responsibilities in general as regarding policing and a well functioning security sector.
Thank you squingy, I will pass this on. For points 2 and 3, have these been done anywhere else? Mind you, I am not saying it can't work, as I am no expert on security.


Thank you my brother. I am aware that during the early 1980's that both the cities of Lyons and Marseilles in France had a morale and discipline problem -(corruption and extra judicial police actions) in their PD's. After the thorough examination and appraisal, it was decided to employ a strategy such as I suggested in #'s .2 and .3 above. In fact, it's from that recollection of what I read about in those cities which prompted my recommendation. We are seeing that the taint of corruption, drug inter-linkages, extra judicial actions and police bullying has become the norm in our system. The question then is to ascertain as to how far this rot/cancer has set in and whether its better to start afresh with an entity which can be created in the mould of what we expect from a well compensted professional PD, as opposed to carrying on with tainted personnel as we currently observe is our possesion. I am certainly not saying that every member of the current police force is so tainted, but the opportunity to have them apply for recruitment into a new police department according to established criteria will provide an opportunity to separate the proverbial sheep from the goats.
FM
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
quote:
Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:
quote:
Originally posted by squingy:
This is my recommendation to a new government (Preferably an AFC lead GOG, of course!) of Guyana:

1. Enact legislation to specifically change the legal and procedural authority of the Police Service Commission so that it is not an impediment to needed changes in the operations of the police component within the general security sector. Also establish in law the independence of the operational authority of the police, but still being accountable to the political directorate through parliament.

2. Enact legislation to sunset the existing police force within eighteen months, thus providing for a total disbanding of the existing force.

3. Meanwhile, create a parallel police department to fill the space created by the intentional disbanding of the old police force with the assistance of key funding from ABC countries, and with specific assistance from entities such as RCMP, Scotland Yard and the FBI, install key personnel to head a new Police Department with the objective of training locals to assume leadership positions within four years in the new police department.

4. Invite applications for recruitment into the new police department, based on recruitment criteria as now successfully employed in the ABC countries, but also reviewing similar practices especially in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and Barbados.

5. Invest in a programme of public awareness to the citizens of Guyana, informing them of their rights and responsibilities in general as regarding policing and a well functioning security sector.
Thank you squingy, I will pass this on. For points 2 and 3, have these been done anywhere else? Mind you, I am not saying it can't work, as I am no expert on security.


Thank you my brother. I am aware that during the early 1980's that both the cities of Lyons and Marseilles in France had a morale and discipline problem -(corruption and extra judicial police actions) in their PD's. After the thorough examination and appraisal, it was decided to employ a strategy such as I suggested in #'s .2 and .3 above. In fact, it's from that recollection of what I read about in those cities which prompted my recommendation. We are seeing that the taint of corruption, drug inter-linkages, extra judicial actions and police bullying has become the norm in our system. The question then is to ascertain as to how far this rot/cancer has set in and whether its better to start afresh with an entity which can be created in the mould of what we expect from a well compensted professional PD, as opposed to carrying on with tainted personnel as we currently observe is our possesion. I am certainly not saying that every member of the current police force is so tainted, but the opportunity to have them apply for recruitment into a new police department according to established criteria will provide an opportunity to separate the proverbial sheep from the goats.
Excellent, thanks again squingy wavey
FM
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Man Arrested After Barking At Police Dog!?

The police officer that was closest arrested the man for what..

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Police Brutality
http://www.policebrutality.info/
FM
Dave, not because these things occur all over the world, means that is is acceptable. Of course you cannot ever completely eliminate these things either. That said, the issues in Guyana must be examined in the light of the PPP's rejection of the British Security Sector Reform Project, to the tune of some 1.2 billion dollars.

In rejecting it, Dr Luncheon said: "Security Sector Reform will continue in Guyana, maybe at a different pace and the scope and the design will be different but the implementation of that will be from public funds from the Government of Guyana."
FM
GDF denies soldier tortured
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol Tuesday, 23 August 2011 19:55


Pt. Dane Wilson being interviewed by force Welfare Officer, Deon Heyliger (GDF photo)

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday denied torturing a soldier, instead blaming his mistreatment on other inmates in a military cell.
The report first surfaced in the privately-owned Kaieteur News report on Tuesday, stating that Private Dane Wilson was stripped, beaten and forced to lie on wet concrete floor while in custody at the GDF’s Camp Ayanganna headquarters.

β€œThis claim by Kaieteur News is far from the truth and the soldier, Private Dane Wilson, was interviewed and denied he suffered any form of torture,” the army said in a statement. The army said Wilson was penalized for refusing to perform military duty and being absent without leave. Allegations of torture in the GDF are not new, dating back to between November 23 and December 6, 2006 when three soldiers-Michael Dunn, Sharth Robertson and Alvin Wilson – all had complained that of being beaten, cuffed, kicked, shocked, struck with metal objects and more. Two civilians had been also alleged tortured at a time when the joint services were hunting down those who had stolen several assault rifles and handguns. The political opposition, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and major Western Nations had all called for an independent probe to be conducted into the allegations.

The remainder of the GDF statement reads:
β€œLast Friday Private Wilson was ordered to be placed in detention for refusing to perform a military duty and being absent without leave. Upon being taken to the cell he stripped naked and had to be wrapped in a sheet before being placed in the cell, where he was eventually clothed in detention uniform. Private Wilson was subsequently disciplined yesterday, Monday 22, for the offences. β€œOur investigations have so far revealed that his mattress was withdrawn from him and his cell was deliberately soaked by another inmate. The persons responsible will be appropriately disciplined. Further investigations are being conducted into allegations that he was manhandled while in the cell. The Force Welfare Officer today contacted his mother to have her concerns addressed but she was unavailable and promised to visit the Welfare Officer tomorrow. The GDF wishes to assure the public that all of its actions and practices are of a high standard and are above board; and it is on record of taking swift disciplinary action against deviant behaviour.”

Source
FM
Police demand cash from Guyanese miner - after mistaking him for Brazilian
AUGUST 25, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A few weeks ago, Commissioner of Police Henry Greene warned his ranks against the wanton fleecing of Brazilians working in Guyana’s goldfields. But it seems as though the warning has fallen on deaf ears, following another allegation in which two ranks from the Parika Police Station demanded cash from two miners, after accusing them of having false papers. As it turned out, one of the miners was Guyanese Alex Willaims, who told this newspaper that he and his Brazilian counterpart were forced to hand over an undisclosed amount of cash in order not to spend a night in the lock-ups. This was despite all their documents being in order.


Guyanese gold miner Alex Williams

Williams, 22, who hails from Chiung, a community close to the Brazilian border, told Kaieteur News that he and the Brazilian GM of the dredge he is working at, were on their way to Georgetown from Bartica and were passing through Parika when the police there invited them into the station. According to Williams, they told the police – one male and a female – whose regulation number was given to this newspaper, that they were coming from Bartica, but the ranks demanded their β€œpapers”. β€œI told them that I was a Guyanese and they say β€˜no, you can’t be Guyanese’,” Williams related to this newspaper.

He said that for some reason, the ranks did not insist on him to produce his β€˜documents’ but since his colleague was speaking no English, they demanded to see his documents. Williams said that when they realized that the Brazilian’s status in Guyana was legitimate, the police then ordered the two men into a room claiming that they had to β€œcheck us properly”. He claimed that they were stripped down to their briefs, even in the presence of the female rank, but nothing was found.

The miner believes that the $700,000 that he placed on the table during the search excited the cops and they took them into another room away from the eyes of several persons who were in the station at the time. This time, Williams said, the police threatened to lock them up if they didn’t β€œlef something”. He said that the ranks told him that he could leave, but his Brazilian counterpart had to be detained. Kaieteur News was told that since the Brazilian did not want to remain in custody, he offered the ranks $5000 but they insisted that he β€œmake it right”.

Williams said that the Brazilian gave the ranks a total of $10,000, while he parted with another $2000 at their insistence. β€œAfter we give them the money, they say β€˜ok, you are free now’,” Williams said, adding that Tuesday’s incident was not the first time that he had encountered such a situation. β€œThey know that the Brazilians don’t speak English and that they hardly know what is written on their work permits and passports, so they (police) take advantage by telling them that their β€˜papers’ were not in order and take away their money,” the Guyanese miner told this newspaper.

The matter was related to a senior police officer who assured that an investigation would be launched.

Source
FM
Lethem residents disgusted over Senior Police Officer’s behaviour
AUGUST 28, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Residents of Lethem have expressed their utter disgust over what they say is the blatant disrespect for their rights by a senior Officer of the Guyana Police Force. Residents said that the Officer was recently sent to the location and his behaviour in their view is an embarrassment to the Force, the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Home Affairs.

According to the residents, the Officer has been abusing his power to fulfill his personal benefits and this has been the situation ever since he arrived in the district. They claimed that they are now being told that they would have to apply a month in advance for permission for any loud music and event being held in the district. One resident who is also a business owner said if the officer does not like the type of music that is being played at a night spot he would order the proprietor to close off for the night.

However members of the community feel that an incident on Friday night was the straw that broke the camel’s back for them. This publication was told that sometime after 23:30 hours on Friday, the officer was in a drunken state at a night spot in Lethem. According to residents the officer in his drunken state was walking around the night club hitting females on their buttocks. In one instance this publication was told that the officer slapped a female who refused to dance with him.

However, when this publication attempted to contact the female she declined for fear of being victimized. There are also reports out of the area that the officer told the DJ at the night spot β€œif yo don’t play F(&# Elvis Presley music I gon shut down this place”. Residents say they now have no faith in the ranks as well as the officer in the district, since the ranks all seem intimidated and embarrassed by him. Hence they are calling on the hierarchy of the Police Force to carry out a full investigation in the matter.

Source
FM
β€˜Tortured’ soldier paints dismal picture of life in the GDF
AUGUST 28, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

PULL QUOTE: β€œWhenever he lets his dog out to play in his yard, we have to go outside, whether it is raining or not. At one time the neighbours thought we were thieves because we had to shelter under a truck.”

No one expects a career in the military will be like the boy scouts, but then again no one expects that inhumane treatment will be a feature of any army especially if it is perpetrated by one’s own colleagues. If the experience of Private Dane Wilson is the yardstick to go by, then the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is in an indictable situation. Wilson, who was finally given the clearance to leave the organization honourably after repeated requests were turned down, related some harrowing details of the treatment meted out to him by some of his colleagues – some who have already left and some of whom still remain in the organization that is supposed to be one of the main pillars of discipline in a nation.
The fact that, like Private Wilson, many soldiers want to leave the organization is indicative of the number of those who are listed as absent without leave or AWOL.

Private Wilson, who was recently released from the army lock-ups at Camp Ayanganna, spoke of soldiers being treated lesser than canines by top level officers. He spoke of the inhumane condition in the cells at army headquarters and the beatings and humiliation he endured for just refusing to work an extra shift.


Private Dane Wilson will now have much more time with his two sons Josiah and Jaden.

Wilson’s plight first came to light last week when this newspaper reported the concerns of his mother, Avril Hayley, over his welfare. Haley had reported that her son was beaten, stripped naked, and forced to endure the indignity of being handcuffed to a vehicle in the full view of persons in Camp Ayangana, many of whom laughed and took photographs of the scene. Wilson was then placed, with his hands still handcuffed, into a cell in which water was constantly poured to make life as miserable for him as possible.

Although the soldier has subsequently confirmed what was reported by this newspaper, the GDF in a press release last week denied the allegations. The army is claiming that it was Private Wilson who stripped himself after he was placed into the cell and he was eventually clothed in detention uniform. β€œOur investigations have so far revealed that his mattress was withdrawn from him and his cell was deliberately soaked by another inmate. The persons responsible will be appropriately disciplined. Further investigations are being conducted into allegations that he was manhandled while in the cell,” the GDF had stated in its release. β€œThe GDF wishes to assure the public that all of its actions and practices are of a high standard and are above board; and it is on record of taking swift disciplinary action against deviant behaviour,” the army added.

Private Wilson, who was stationed at the G2 Branch, a military police unit, opted to leave the GDF rather than take the offer of being transferred to another unit. β€œThe Chief-of-staff ask me if I want to stay in de force and be placed at another unit. I tell him no because I feel scared fuh know that in another two months or so they might try to victimise me,” Private Wilson stated. When he subsequently explained what he really meant, it sort of confirmed the scary modus operandi of the military in Guyana. Of course, the GDF was angry by the position taken by Private Wilson and his family for approaching the media with their problem. But according to relatives, had they not done so, things would have remained the same for many other soldiers who are suffering a similar fate.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper last Thursday, a day after he was given permission to leave, Private Wilson indicated that since the revelations in the Kaieteur News about his situation, 14 other soldiers who were incarnated with him for being on the AWOL were released by the Guyana Defence Force. He said that following the publication of the story, he was subjected to constant surveillance, with a Military Police guarding his every move while he was in army headquarters. The Private, who was supposed to submit his SOS to enable him to be honourably discharged, dismissed the army β€˜charade’ of investigating the matter thoroughly, since he pointed out that one of the officers involved in the investigation, β€œwas present when everything took place”.

β€œAfter they strip me naked (the officer) was one of the persons who come and tek a picture of me naked, and another corporal took out a picture. After that they tek a sheet and wrap it around me and put me in a car and put me in de cell.” The abuse did not end there as Private Wilson detailed further incidents of inhumane treatment. He claimed that a captain told him that if he had the power to discipline him, it would have been worse. β€œMe and he had a scuffle in the cell and he beat me, look I got the marks on my skin,” Private Wilson informed, showing the faint bruises that were evident on his back.

According to Private Wilson, during the initial investigations, Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best enquired as to who was responsible for the wetting of the cell. β€œOne of the cell men said: β€˜Sir, I throw de water but I was instructed (to do so) by the MP (name given)to throw de water on Wilson.’” To clear their side, the GDF authorized a medical check-up for Private Wilson, which was done by the Force Medical Officer, and it was recommended that he be seen by another physician at the private Woodlands Hospital. Several hours later, Private Wilson was then allowed to leave Camp Ayangana to be with his mother and later with his wife and two sons.

He said that many other soldiers are supportive of the decision he has taken, especially since they will take the same course of action if given a similar choice. β€œMost of the soldiers right now, say β€˜Wilson, is the right thing you doing because somebody had to stand up towards this.’ After me incident, de Chief-of-Staff loose 14 soldiers wha went in de cell, dem wha been AWOL.” According to Private Wilson, some of those who were recently released were in the cell for 42 days without a court martial. β€œWhen dey get Court Martial now, de judge give dem another 42 days and they are not taking off the days that they already serve. They sending them to Camp Street and Lusignan. These soldiers ain’t commit no crime. They just want fuh leave de army,” Wilson explained.

Over the past few months, the GDF had published the photographs of many soldiers who are Absent Without Leave. But from what Wilson explained, it might be better to serve one’s sentence at Camp Street or Lusignan, where at least the conditions are better. He described the lock-ups at Camp Ayangana as filthy, and stated that inmates there are forced to eat sleep and do every other thing in there, except for a one hour for β€˜fresh air’ which is sometimes denied. β€œIt stink, is one, and dey got grills and dey does lock everybody up in one place. Dey does give you a pan that you got to pee and mess inside right in deh. One mess pan fuh everybody,” Wilson told this newspaper.

There are also reports that a senior officer prefers his canine to the soldiers who are deployed to guard his house. β€œWhenever he lets his dog out to play in his yard, we have to go outside, whether it is raining or not. At one time the neighbours thought we were thieves because we had to shelter under a truck,” the soldier told this newspaper. β€œHe treats his dog better than he would treat us,” Wilson added.

After seven years, Wilson is still a private. Why? Because as he puts it, he challenges authority – something that is taboo in most military organizations. In addition, he believes that his stagnation also has to do with the incident that involves his late cousin Edwin Niles. Niles was a prisoner at the Camp Street jail who was allegedly beaten to death by both prison and army personnel after he was found with several rounds of ammunition in the prison – this was minutes after he returned from Camp Ayangana where he and others were detailed to work as part of a clean-up exercise. Wilson said that he was detained as part of that investigation.

β€œIs this year I get an opportunity to catch the course to become a Lance Corporal,” Wilson stated. He credited his elevation to a particular officer who he claims is well respected by most of the ordinary soldiers at Base Camp Ayangana. β€œRight now I feel so good to be out of there. As soon as I meet home, I kiss my two sons and I tell them that now β€˜daddy get time to spend with y’all,’” Wilson stated. He feels strongly that within recent times junior ranks are being treated unfairly, and it is only the Officers who are benefitting from all the privileges.

Wilson believes that his actions will pave the way for other soldiers to at least get their due reward. β€œNuff ah dem soldiers dat talk to me say β€˜Boy, I writing me SOS again, seeing this story come out, fuh see if I gone get through,” Wilson pointed out. Wilson said his revelations are not because he is bitter with anyone. β€œIt’s just that I want them to treat those who are still in there, better,” he said.

Source
FM
Suspected robbers accuse police of brutality, forced unnatural sex acts
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol Tuesday, 06 September 2011 13:25


Gautier's slit nipple

Allegations of police brutality and forced unnatural sex acts surfaced during Tuesday’s arraignment of six men accused of several armed robberies in Berbice and Demerara. Defence Lawyer, Randolph Kirton, representing Ivan Browne of D’Urban Street, Lodge, told the court that police cut his client’s hair, beat him to indulge in oral sex with a co-defendant and have anal intercourse. β€œThis is carrying us into and beyond the deprivation of human rights,” Kirton told the court. The lawyer added that Browne was not given an opportunity to read the statement to police before signing it. Browne has been arrested, prosecuted and acquitted several times before.

Attorney-at-Law, George Thomas told the court that his client, Rakesh Shaw of Adelaide Street, Charlestown, was beaten and threatened that he would have had to perform oral sex if he had signed a document. The lawyer also asked Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine – Beharry to note that his client sustained injuries to his knuckles and other parts of his body. A third accused, Kevin October, related that he had picked up two of the co-accused at Victoria and they were subsequently stopped at a roadblock at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara where a firearm was allegedly found behind a DVD deck. He accused a named senior police detective and two other unnamed policemen of taking him down a dam where they pulled a gun and threatened to shoot him. He also said that he was forced to sign a document that stated, among other things, that he knows the two other men.

Lawyer Thomas said Stanley Gautier,23, of Norton Street, Lodge accused police of beating him to sign documents and almost cutting off his left nipple. He said he also sustained injuries to his knuckles, knees and back. Mervin Blackman, who is accused of stealing more than GUY$5.2 million in cash from the BV Post Office also charged that he was brutalized by police. The magistrate noted the alleged brutality and asked the police prosecutor to take steps to have them investigated. All applications for bail were refused and the cases were transferred to three different courts. The lawyers also asked the court to order that their clients be medically examined.

Shaw, Blackman, October, Browne, Gautier and Jude Bushby were charged with three gun-related robberies in Berbice all committed on August 31. They allegedly robbed Deodat Sanichar of GUY$900 and one watch valued GUY$1,000; the No. 54 Village Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office of GUY$143,000 and Clarence Carrington of GUY$960 and two cellular phones valued GUY$14,500. Blackman was charged separately with breaking and entering Bashir Mohammed’s bond and stealing one car valued GUY$2 million property of Susan Weekes. Blackman was also charged with breaking and entering.

All six of them also face five charges for robbing the Beterverwagting Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on August 25 where they robbed Bobby Blenman of items totaling GUY$94,270 property of Sheldon Mc Pherson. They also robbed Blenman of a quantity of clothing valued GUY$28,000, one bag, one television, one laptop and one generator. Blenman was also robbed of one grass cutter valued GUY$200,000 property of the BV NDC. For the offences allegedly committed in Berbice, they would have to appear at the Number 1 Village Magistrates’ Court on September 12, 2011; those on the East Coast Demerara on September 8 and 9 respectively at the Sparendaam and Vigilance courts respectively.

Source
FM
Six armed robbery accused allege police abuse - court orders probe, medicals
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine–Beharry yesterday ordered the prosecution to launch an investigation and have medical examinations conducted following claims by lawyers representing six armed robbery accused that the men were forced to confess to the crime while being subjected to various forms of abuse. The accused Jude Bushly, Marvin Blackman, Ivon Brown, Rakesh Shaw, Kevin October and Stanley Gautier on August 31, at No. 64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, while allegedly being armed with a gun robbed the Virtual Complainant(VC) Clarence Carrington of two cell phones and cash to the value of $15,460.

It is also alleged that on the same day, the men being armed with a gun robbed the VC of $143,000 in Guyana currency, property of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Corentyne, Berbice. It is further alleged that the six accused robbed Deodat Sanichar of items valued $1,900. According to the facts presented to the court by the prosecution, on August 31 the two VCs who are security guards were at the NDC office at Corentyne, Berbice, when they were confronted by the six accused who were all armed with guns. They allegedly approached the VCs and tied them up and stole the items which amounted to $143,000 and made good their escape. The prosecution further stated that on their way to Georgetown the men were stopped at a police road block where they were searched and arrested.

It is also alleged that five of the men, except Bushly, on August 25 at Beterverwagt-ing, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while being armed with a gun robbed Bobby Blenmon of a quantity of clothes valued $28,000, property of Rudolph Benjamin. On the same day at BV they allegedly robbed Blenmon of one generator, 2 computers, a television and other items valued a total of $450,000, property of Mark Deham. The men also allegedly robbed Blenmon of one haversack valued $2,000, property of the said Blenmon. It is further alleged that on the same day at BV being armed with a gun, the men robbed Blenmon of $94,270, property of Sheldon Mc Pherson.

The allegation against Blackman is that between April 5-6 at Beterverwagting, ECD, he broke and entered the BV post office and stole in excess of $5M, property of the Guyana Post Office Corporation. The allegation against the unrepresented October is that between April 15-16 at Lusignan, E.C.D., he broke and entered the bond of Bashain Mohammed and stole a Toyota 212 motorcar valued $2M, property of Susan Weck.

Attorneys George Thomas and Randolph Kirton who represented the men told the court that their clients were forced to perform sexual acts. The attorneys also asked the court to order that a medical examination be performed on the men since they were also beaten by the police. All of the accused were remanded to prison and the matter will be called again at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on September 8. The family members who yesterday afternoon visited Stabroek News expressed concerns, stating that they are very afraid for the safety of Brown and Blackman. They also said that they had reported the incidents to various authorities but to no avail. (Roxanne Clarke)

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News
FM
Punishment for traffic offence…Elderly driver beaten, locked up
SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Although the Executive of the Police Association had expressed concern over the plethora of incidents and infractions that have been allegedly committed by members of the Guyana Police Force, police brutality remains a main concern of society. Another incident of police brutality transpired yesterday, and on this occasion at Thomas Street, Kitty. According to residents of Thomas Street, Kitty, 58-year-old Claude Bristol, the driver of HB 6105 which is registered to β€˜Kitty Cabs’ was assaulted by policemen who had trailed him on motorcycles.


Claude Bristol

According to the owner of the taxi, Zora Marques, the taxi left yesterday to carry her husband to the Stabroek Market Park. While the driver of the taxi (Claude Bristol) was returning to the base he was stopped in the vicinity of Avenue of the Republic. Ms Marques explained that she learnt that β€œin the vicinity of Avenue of the Republic, I don’t know if he jumped the major road or what he did I was not there, but what I do know is that when he (the driver) was coming through the street (Thomas Street, Kitty) I saw the car coming and three police officers coming on motorcycle behind the car, one was a traffic police and two black clothes.”

She further said that when the driver parked the car a few feet away from her home, she peer through the window and β€œsaw the car stopped and the next thing I knew is they (police) pulled the man out of the car and telling him don’t move and one of them was pointing to him with a gun, then another office started to chuck him up and slap him up, and pull him out, and throw him on the car and put his hands in his pocket.”

Adding that residents started to gather outside their houses and voicing their disapproval, Marques said residents then enquired why the police were assaulting the man. β€œI then run out on the road and ask what ya’ll beating the man for? They (police) said I must shut my mouth and go back inside. They ask who I am and I told them that I own the car and the man is my driver and I want to know what he did,” Ms Marques said. She said that the police then started assaulting the driver and forced him to the car trunk where they (police) proceeded to search.

The distressed woman then explained that the driver of her vehicle is hypertensive and was in a state of shock and could not have even spoken after the policemen had traumatized him from the confrontational arrest. After the arrest Ms Marques said that she enquired from the policemen where they would be taking the driver. She said the police then told her the driver would be taken to Kitty Police Station. However, this was not the case when checks were made. She then found the driver at the Brickdam Police Station. Upon arrival at the station, Ms Marques noted that the driver was so terrified and nervous that he could not have explained the events that had transpired.

β€œHe was so nervous and weak that he was trembling, and they place him in the lock-ups.” Marques said. After enquires were made to the police on what was the reason for Claude Bristol’s arrested, Ms Marques said that she was told by the police that the driver drove away from the police. β€œNow, the car the man is driving has a logo sign and a big number plate and he is an elderly man that don’t drive fast. If they knew he had driven away from them they (police) should have taken the number plate and logo and go to the service (Kitty Cabs). Why is it they have to come and beat the man up here?” Ms Marques questioned.

Other residents in the area collectively agreed that the treatment meted out by the police to the driver was senseless and uncalled for, and the police should receive training in professional responsibility since citizens would in turn have little respect for policemen if any. β€œWhen I come out I see one of the policemen pointing a gun at the man face, and another one slapping the man up. So I start holler and ask why ya’ll slapping the man up for? I tell them is a big man and the man could be ya’ll father. And I ask β€˜why ya’ll harassing the big man so’ and if the man do something wrong he should go to the station,” one female resident said.

Source
FM

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