DPP outreach in South Rupununi emphasises mandatory reporting of serious crimes 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reinforced the legal obligation of village leaders to report serious crimes to the Police during an outreach engagement at the South Rupununi Democratic Council’s (SRDC) Bi-Annual Meeting.
The conference, held at the Shulinab Benab last week, brought together Toshaos and senior councillors from communities across the Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo).
Vice Chairman of the SRDC, Toshao Nicholas Fredericks, used the forum to urge community leaders to ensure that all criminal matters are reported through the appropriate legal channels. He said village leaders have a responsibility to uphold safety and justice within their communities.

Fredericks commended the DPP’s Office for participating in the conference, noting that the engagement provided important information to community leaders. He said the outreach contributed to building awareness and strengthening accountability among Toshaos.
Delivering the opening presentation, Communications and Outreach Officer at the DPP’s Chambers, Liz Rahman, outlined the process followed when a crime is reported. She explained that matters must first be reported to the Police, who will conduct investigations and prepare a file to be submitted to the DPP’s office for legal advice.
Rahman stressed that while Toshaos may address minor matters such as disorderly behaviour and simple larceny under community rules, they are legally required to report serious offences. These include murder, sexual offences, domestic violence, causing death by dangerous driving, and cases involving underage alcohol consumption or illicit drug use.
She warned that failure to report such offences undermines justice and breaches the trust placed in village leaders. Rahman urged Toshaos to take their responsibilities seriously to ensure that victims receive proper legal redress.
The outreach follows concerns raised during a previous engagement in February, where residents from several communities, including Potarinau, Quiko, Shulinab, Meriwau and Parabara, indicated limited understanding of how to handle criminal matters. Some residents had also expressed uncertainty about reporting cases of gender-based and sexual violence.
There have also been allegations that some village leaders attempted to settle serious matters, including sexual offences, at the community level.
Addressing these concerns, State Counsel Muntaz Ali provided an overview of the criminal justice process and the role of the state in prosecuting offences. He emphasised the importance of due process and the need for credible evidence in securing convictions.
Focusing on sexual offences, Ali explained that such crimes are often committed in private, making victim testimony critical in court proceedings. He outlined the legal elements of these offences and highlighted the penalties attached under the law.
Police Prosecutor Shyra Bruce, who is attached to the DPP’s Office, delivered a presentation on domestic violence. She explained the process for reporting incidents and outlined the legal remedies available, including protection and restraining orders obtainable through the magistrates’ courts.
Bruce also detailed the types of relationships recognised under the law and how domestic violence cases are treated within both legal and common-law unions.
Fredericks noted that the presentations helped participants better understand the seriousness of various offences and the procedures required for reporting them. He said the engagement also improved awareness of individual rights and the protections available under the law.
The conference was attended by representatives from several South Rupununi communities, including Sand Creek, Shulinab, Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Shea, Maruranau, Awarewanau, Aishalton, Karaudar, Achawib, Parabara, Bashizun, Meriwau, Quiko, Katuur and Baitoon.