PCA Chairman blasts Region 2 Police for neglecting duties

By Indrawattie Natram

Retired Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Cecil Kennard has noted with great concern, reports that law enforcement from G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is neglecting its duties and officers are not acting on reports as soon as they are made.
The former Judge, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times after his recent two-day visit to the region, said there is a high

prevalence of officers neglecting their duties, and he will intervene in same.
The PCA Chairman had visited Region Two on Friday and Saturday last as part of his outreach to interact with citizens at the grassroots level and well as officers of the Force. On Friday, the retired Chancellor met with officers from the G Division, where he spoke to them about the roles and responsibilities and conduct as Police Officers. During his address, he commended the efforts of the officers but called upon them to give more for the safety of persons living within the region.
He reminded them that they have a role to protect the citizenry and should do so with determination and much courage. He also reminded that no person should be detained beyond 72 hours at any Police station and at no time should motor vehicles be detained over the weekend without good reason.
In addition, he implored officers to exercise patience and to be courteous to the public at all times. He was also concerned about persons having to visit the station for follow-ups; instead he suggested that the officers should give constant feedback to persons inquiring.
The PCA Chairman also noted that no Police Officer has the authority to take away any document or driver’s licence from a motorist.
Kennard’s visit concluded with him interacting with residents of Essequibo in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council on Saturday evening. He said while there, he met with over 30 residents who voiced their concerns. One prevalent concern, he noted, was neglect of Police duties – an issue he intends to address. Many persons also complained about Police Officers not fully identifying themselves when taking reports or investigating a crime. The Chairman promised to follow up on same and hailed his trip to Essequibo as successful. He also commended the efforts of the Regional Chairman and the Regional Executive Officer for making his trip comfortable. His next visits are schedule for New Amsterdam, Lethem, Madhia and Port Kaituma in the coming months.