Junior ranks within the GPF continue to be discriminated against and mistreated

Dear Editor,
“The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Be nice to people on your way up, because you might meet them again on your way back down” – Wilson Mizner
As we approach the 20s, and as the Guyana Police Force continues to boast about the many changes throughout the organisation, I can safely say that little or no change has been made, based on what I have seen throughout my two plus years of service within the Force; especially as it relates to the treatment of junior ranks, which make up approximately 80% of the Force.
Let me first start by saying that during my stint at the Tactical Services Unit, one of the very few departments that are always complaining about shortage of ranks, while stationed there, I was heading to work in my personal attire, henceforth changed over to the Police attire. All of this was done before my working time.
Before this could have happened, a very senior officer saw me walking into the compound in my personal attire, and within seconds I heard, “Police, where you going with that f#8king tight pants, like yuh is a bird or wah?” I responded to the officer and said that I am here very early, hence I would have enough time to change over. I also said, “Why would you want to ask me if I ‘is a bird?’ That doesn’t concern you.’
A few days later, I was charged and put on one-week CB and drills, which were being used as a punishment for defaulting ranks. I did the drills as required for 8-plus hours, and also I was being made to work another 12 hours. Now, that is a breach of my human rights and the Labour and Public Service Acts; I am asking all the relevant authorities, including the Commissioner of Police (ag), to look into this matter and also the ranks’ welfare.
During that time, I was mistreated and was deliberately relieved very late after meal hours. I could see that they wanted me to miss the meal hours, and also no time was given for me to go and purchase something to eat.
These senior officers, probably because they are senior, or maybe it is the culture of the Force, continue to talk to, and abuse, junior ranks with many expletives, and also take very swift action to degrade us.
It must stop. Times are changing, and we need to adapt. If persons are accustomed to bell bottom pants or skinny fitted jeans, then leave every man to his own personal order.
I have seen junior ranks being abused until they can’t take it anymore. Some of them cried it off, some of them were strong, some of them were weak, and many of them withdrew their services legally or illegally.
We cannot be chasing our ranks and then complain about shortage. Have we questioned why our wastage for the year thus far is some 70 plus persons, who either legally or illegally withdrew?
The hurtful part is: it is as if we are locked down. This is because we don’t have anyone to talk to, because the Guyana Police Association, which represents ¾ of the Force’s population, is being chaired by and Inspector, and that person cannot instruct, write or speak to any seniors. The Guyana Association of Women Police, which is supposed to be looking into the welfare of the female ranks, is busy planning fund-raising activities and trips around the world, probably to buy new clothes, bags and watches, and maybe shoes.
Moreover, the Police Welfare Officer cannot do anything, because the office is there but the rank isn’t. That officer is deemed a junior officer, and cannot instruct, speak or write a senior officer.
Let me end by stating that there is a saying in the Force: “Senior officers don’t go against each other”. Now, who do we turn to for help? What can be done? Will we always be like this? If yes, then this leaves much to be desired, and the Force will always remain one way as it relates to junior ranks’ welfare.

Yours sincerely,
Concerned Police
Constable