GCCI calls for independent probe into corruption, financial impropriety within GPF

The Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has joined others in calling for an independent probe into allegations of corruption and financial irregularities within the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
This comes in light of damning allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus who has since proceeded on leave to facilitate an investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Already, the leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, and others have called for an independent investigation.

It is alleged that Brutus reportedly deposited $15 million into his account at the Police Credit Union on December 15, 2023. The money was allegedly returned to him the following day and the source of funds was given as contributions from before, during, and after his wedding.
However, the GCCI has echoed its concerns over recent revelations. “As the body responsible for upholding and enforcing the laws of Guyana, it is repugnant that the very individuals who have been empowered to maintain law and order in the country are engaging in malpractices, which brings to fore questions of the GPF’s credibility and objectivity,” the GCCI stated in a release to the media.

23GCCI President, Kester Hutson

It further stated that if the agents of the state who are responsible for maintaining stability and lawfulness are engaged in malfeasance, then they can no longer be trusted to uphold the standards that they ought to be enforcing.
“The Guyana Police Force must not operate with impunity—in fact, the members of the Force must be held at a higher degree of accountability. Failure to act can be viewed as assenting to corruption, and this can lead to a descent into lawlessness.”

Furthermore, the body stated that an independent probe is needed in the interest of objectivity and transparency, as SOCU, which has been tasked with investigating these issues, is an arm of the GPF.
“These circumstances are abhorrent and untenable; therefore, the Chamber calls for it to be dealt with swiftly, and for those found culpable to face the brunt of the law.”
Only last week, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the ability of SOCU to investigate allegations of Brutus, reassuring that there will be no pressure to change the course of the probe.
“There are allegations of corruption against Brutus. He is on leave and SOCU has been ordered to do the investigation… And I can say to you that at SOCU, there’d be no pressure by anyone in the Police Force because the President [Dr Irfaan Ali] himself is looking into this matter and all these matters. There’d be no pressure by anyone, internally, to alter the course of this investigation or any other investigations of malpractices anywhere in the country or the Police Force,” Jagdeo stated.
These allegations against Brutus come on the heels of the Police Force, earlier this month, announcing a shake-up of some senior officers – a move that saw Brutus being removed as Deputy Commissioner Administration and put as Head of the Special Branch.
At the time, Commissioner Hicken had explained that the rotation of senior officers is a management tool that is used to create and foster efficiency in an organisation.