President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has decided wait on the police review into the killing of Dartmouth, Essequibo businessman, Orin Boston before pronouncing his position on an independent probe.
Boston was shot and killed by police last week during an “anti-crime” exercise.
The 29-year-old’s death has sparked controversy with accounts of family members differing from the police’s statement about what transpired.
The force said that Boston was killed in a confrontation but his wife maintains that her husband was shot while he was in bed and unarmed.
Following his death, residents conducted protest demonstrations by burning tyres and other debris, blocking the main thoroughfare at Dartmouth.
Since then, Boston’s family’s call for an independent probe has been echoed by the main Parliamentary Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), with the AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan issuing calls for an independent investigation preferably done by foreign operatives.
Asked if he supports such a call, President Ali said, I have already made it very clear that there will be an impartial investigation [and] that the police would have to act professionally. So on my return, I will have a full update on where this matter is… We’re gonna support a thorough investigation and let us see, let us await the outcome of the police investigation.”
He added, “Sometimes we move too quickly to case judgement or condemn the operation of the police, but let us see what comes out of the investigation and on my return, this is one of the matters, of course, that would be a priority on the agenda.”
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn has already visited the family. Dr. Ali said that he will do the same.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has already forwarded file on Boston’s shooting to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority for review.
