Drivers’ licence exams
…file sent to DPP for advice
The Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which has been probing a scam unearthed in the discovery of massive irregularities in the Learner Drivers’ Theoretical Examination written on April 12 of this year, has reportedly concluded its investigations. This newspaper has not yet been informed of the findings of the investigation, but has been told that candidates who wrote the examination on the said date have been receiving result slips from the Traffic
and Transport Office of the Traffic Department at Eve Leary, Georgetown, informing them of their performance.
When this publication attempted to obtain further information from Police Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan, it was related that the matter has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
A few months ago, major irregularities surfaced in the Learner Drivers’ Theoretical Examination set by the Guyana Police Force, in that 174 persons were registered to write the examination, 106 persons presented themselves to write the exams, 207 scripts were submitted at the conclusion of the examination, and 155 of those scripts had been completed.
According to the GPF, preliminary inquiries have revealed a complete breach of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the administration and conduct of the Learner Drivers’ Theoretical Examination. Initial inquiries have also revealed that a senior subordinate officer who had been mandated to oversee this examination, in collaboration with two pastors from the Cops and Faith Community Network partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and three junior GPF ranks, had left the venue shortly after the examination had commenced, and did not return.
It was further reported that a junior subordinate officer who ought not to have been at the examination venue had presented himself there, and had spent some time before subsequently leaving.
The GPF has said that since members of the Cops and Faith Community Network became involved in the invigilation of the Learner Drivers’ Theoretical and Practical examinations, there has reportedly been significant reduction in the opportunities for corruption, complaint and allegations; thus their voluntary involvement will continue.
Just days ago, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) also discovered some illegalities relative to forged drivers’ licences and other irregularities. The GRA said it has discovered that some unscrupulous members of its staff were working in collusion with outsiders and members of the public to issue forged drivers’ licences, certificates of compliance, and registrations. While announcing that details surrounding this development will not yet be divulged, the GRA announced that an investigation has been launched and is ongoing. The GRA has also revealed that those individuals who were part of the illegal operations have been sent on leave.
