The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that charges be brought against City Constable Clifton Pellew for the alleged rape of a minor, who was in his care at the City Constabulary last year.
After much public pressure, City Hall turned the matter over to the Police, who following an investigation, sought advice from the DPP on the matter.
This publication was reliably informed on Tuesday that the file has been returned to the Police with instructions that the charge be instituted.
City Constable Clifton Pellew
The incident allegedly occurred when a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on August 17, 2017 for wandering. At some point during his detention, the minor was reportedly transferred to the Regent Street, Georgetown Outpost, where the alleged incident occurred between August 22 and 23.
It was only after allegations made its way into the public domain that City Hall acted on the matter. In the aftermath of the allegation, Pellew and another officer, Corporal Quacy Baveghems, were sacked by authorities. It was at this point that the name of the accused found itself in the public domain.
The Local Government Commission (LGC) is also expected to launch a probe into the allegation. Town Clerk Royston King had announced that following the receipt of legal advice, it was decided to forward the matter to the LGC.
For its part, LGC Chairman Mortimer Mingo was quoted in sections of the press committing to investigating the matter as soon as possible. It is unclear at present if the Commission is ensconced in an office of its own. Previously, it had met in Parliament Buildings in order to conduct its affairs.
Protests
Not satisfied with the mere sacking of two officers, protesters have been holding impromptu demonstrations in front of City Hall. There have been accusations that authorities have been trying to cover up the issue. This is something that City Hall has denied.
Culpable
While commending the DPP for recommending rape charges, noted child rights activist Nicole Cole stated that the matter did not end there. When contacted by Guyana Times, the Rights of the Child Commissioner, the Child Protection Act applies to persons who knowingly do not report child abuse to the rightful authorities.
“I applaud the DPP for recommending the rape charge against the perpetrator because the crime of rape is Guyana has become normalised simply because in many instances justice is extremely slow. Rape of a child or children is a very serious offence in every society,” she related.
“The Child Protection Act of 2009 applies here. That Act clearly outlines that all citizens have to report the rape of a child and failure to do so is guilt (by) conspiracy,” the activist said.
