The case involving a 17-year-old female who allegedly was sexually assaulted during a ‘strip search’ by a female Police Officer at the Eugene F Correia International Airport a few weeks ago has been given much media publicity, and, as expected, many are anxiously waiting to see what would be the outcome of the matter.
It was reported that the teen, who was on her way to visit relatives in Barbados, was subjected to a “strip search” by officers at the airport, before being placed in a room where a female officer reportedly inserted her finger in her vagina. The law enforcement rank had also reportedly asked the teen to “spread out and cough”. From all indications, ranks who were on duty at the time may have had some suspicions that the teen was being used to traffic drugs. Whatever might have been the case, if indeed the allegations are proven to be true, those involved must face the harshest penalties.
It must be stated though, so far, the officer being accused has denied the allegations against her, and the GPF’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has announced that it has launched a probe. However, this is not enough. Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the agencies involved must carry out a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of the issue. A proper investigation is necessary; not only to ensure the victim receives justice, but also to prevent a recurrence of same (if indeed the incident did occur).
Already some have expressed the view that the search done on the teenager had been improperly carried out. If there were any suspicions that the teen had concealed illegal drugs on her person, the officers should have escorted her to a hospital and have a certified doctor carry out the necessary search in a professional and humane manner.
Drug and other law enforcement officers have a right to act on suspicions of illegal activities; however, they must always strive to be professional and act within the confines of the law. They must not infringe on the rights of persons in carrying out their functions. Everyone has rights, and those must be respected. As a given, there should be no differentiation, and no biased treatment influenced by a person’s “looks”, age, nationality, religion, or any other consideration.
Just a few days ago, the alleged victim, in an interview with this newspaper, was quoted as saying that she feels very humiliated and hopes that no other teenager would have to endure this kind of “trauma”. She also related that since the incident took place, no official from the Government or the Guyana Police Force has contacted her or any family members to hear her side of the story, or to conduct further investigations.
This most recent incident bears some similarities to the one that occurred some years ago involving Jamaican Shanique Myrie who was denied entry into Barbados., Myrie had similarly claimed that she was subjected to a ‘body cavity’ search, detained overnight in a cell, and deported to Jamaica the following day. She had also accused immigration officials of directing derogatory remarks at her.
It could be recalled that Myrie took the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which made a landmark ruling in her favour. The CCJ had ruled in October 2013 that Barbados had breached Myrie’s rights as a CARICOM national, afforded under Article 5 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, by denying her entry. Considering the facts of the case, the court then ordered that Myrie be paid US$37,500 in non-pecuniary damages and US$1,120 in pecuniary damages.
In the most recent case involving the Guyanese teen, it was reported in the media that the family is seeking legal advice as to how to proceed in the matter. This could indeed turn out to be another court matter similar to the Myrie case.
