GPF corruption allegations: Decision on witness protection will be made after complete review of content – Ali

…Police sought, received int’l help in “Paper Shorts” killing

As the probe continues into the allegations made by embattled Police Sergeant Dion Bascom, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that he has not yet seen the letter written to him seeking witness protection, noting that while he is not against witness protection, he has to examine the content of the correspondence.

After being arrested by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) during a drug bust, Bascom alleged that there was a Police cover-up in the Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes murder investigation. In the wake of his allegations, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has investigated and submitted a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In a letter addressed to the President earlier this week, Bascom had not only called for witness protection for himself, but an international investigation into the GPF. When asked about this on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, President Ali said he was yet to see the letter.
“I’ve made it clear that everything must be done professionally… to be honest, I have not seen the letter as yet. I’m not saying the letter was not sent. I have loads of correspondence, I have not seen it as yet. I have not addressed my mind to the letter as yet. Definitely, I don’t shy away from addressing issues.”
“The Police have been working with international partners on this case. I can’t get into the details, that’s for the Police. But I know they have been working and seeking help from international partners, for specific aspects of this case,” President Ali explained.

According to the President, the Police will at some point address the media since they have information to put out and that press conference was held by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken subsequently. On the specific matter of witness protection, President Ali did not rule this out for the officer.
“I wouldn’t say I’m against witness protection, because I believe… I have to see what is the content of the letter. What is the nature, what is being asked for. But as I said, this system and this country I govern, must provide an even platform for everyone, a socially just platform for everyone. And in that context, I’ll make my decision,” President Ali said.
Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes was killed execution-style in March 2021 outside a popular Main Street, Georgetown night spot. Reports are the man was partying with a group of friends at the bar when his phone rang and he exited the club to take the call, but soon after, was shot and killed.

CANU bust
Last week, Bascom was among five people who were arrested after the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) swooped down on a Norton Street, Georgetown house and found cocaine.
Following his arrest, the Police Sergeant took to Facebook where he made several allegations against several top-ranking officers within the Guyana Police Force along with a prominent businessman, and one of his security details.

On Wednesday, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken sent out a statement in which he said that Bascom has refused to submit himself to any investigation by the Police of his public allegations, or provide any evidence to support the allegations he made public. In fact, the Hicken went on to describe Bascom’s allegations as “unfounded.”
“It is not without significance that Sergeant Bascom found himself personally compromised during an exercise carried out by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and that his public statement immediately followed this matter. Sergeant Bascom, at his request, is currently at home on sick leave.”
“It is unfortunate that Sergeant Bascom’s unfounded allegations have publicly involved senior members of the Force and other persons. This is of grave concern to the Guyana Police Force,” Hicken also said.
According to Hicken, Bascom’s public utterances, which he made while serving as an active member of the Force, is in breach of the Code of Conduct of the Police Force.
“I have, as a result, ordered an immediate investigation of this matter by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The OPR has submitted the findings of their investigation along with their recommendations which is now before the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice,” Hicken further explained in his statement.