E Division Commander, 3 other senior ranks transferred

E Division (Linden and Kwakwani) Commander, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Inspector Chubinauth Singh, have been transferred from the Division along with two other senior ranks who were attached to the Mackenzie Police Station, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The other ranks include a Corporal and Sergeant. Brutus, who was moved to A Division (Georgetown- East Bank Demerara) where he now serves as Deputy Commander, confirmed that he was informed by Police Headquarters of the transfer on Tuesday, but the actual move was put into effect on Wednesday. Guyana Times understands that Inspector Singh has been transferred to D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) and was reassigned his post. Former A Division Deputy Commander, Senior Superintendent Karim Baksh, will now serve as E Division Commander. The post formerly filled by Police Inspector Singh has also been filled.

Commander Calvin Brutus
Commander Calvin Brutus

While the reason for the transfers is unclear, there were numerous complaints levelled against the outgoing officers by residents and senior officials within Region 10 which prompted an investigation by the Office of the President and Police Headquarters. However, the findings of the investigations have not been released to the public. In February, several Lindeners had protested against the outgoing officers, accusing them of Police brutality and excessive force, however, the allegations were denied by the ranks. The protesting residents had also requested their removal. The protest also prompted a meeting between then Commander Brutus and Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who had expressed frustration at the allegations.
Recently, Morian and the outgoing Commander were at loggerheads following the detention of a Regional Councillor within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) over allegations of damage to property overseen by the Council. The Councillor was charged in connection with an incident at the Block 22 Multipurpose Hall at Wismar, Linden. However, according to the Regional Chairman, the RDC (which is responsible for the facility) never made a report. During an interview with the media last week, Morian further expressed dissatisfaction over the brief detention of the Councillor who had reportedly fallen ill during his detention, noting that he had written to the President and Minister of State Joseph Harmon. He said he visited the outgoing Commander last Thursday but was met with much resistance.
When contacted over the issue, Brutus confirmed the visit by Morian and the accused Councillor, but indicated that it was the Regional Chairman who was arrogant in his actions during the meeting. He said after the matter against the Councillor was reported and some initial action had been taken, a report was subsequently done and sent for advice but the file is yet to return with the advice. However, some charge was made and an arrest warrant was issued for the Councillor. “An arrest warrant don’t issue for you unless you’re summoned or you sign a recognisance acknowledging that you have to go to court on a particular date and time,” Brutus stated. He added that he was told that the Police had tried to execute the warrant on two occasions prior to the visit on Thursday; however the Councillor had indicated that his lawyer would be speaking to the Police.

This newspaper understands that he has not been re-arrested since. The Commander further stated that the Councillor was well aware of the arrest warrant. Brutus noted that during the visit to the Police station, the Councillor did not speak, but allowed the Regional Chairman to do so on his behalf. Just last week, the car of the outgoing Inspector Singh, which bore licence plate number PKK5689, went up in flames in front of his Moraballi Street Retrieve, Mackenzie residence.
According to Police reports, Singh was asleep at the time and was awaken by the sound of an explosion. Afterwards, his car, a Toyota 212, was discovered engulfed by flames.
On Wednesday, a number of residents of the Linden community after learning of the transfers, expressed shock, with some opining that the Police team did a good job in keeping the crime rate in the community under control.