Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently addressed concerns about the ongoing investigation into Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, who is under investigation for alleged money laundering and financial misconduct.
Brutus, a high-ranking officer, has, among other allegations, faced accusations of receiving significant sums of money on his wedding day, fuelling suspicions of illicit financial activity. Some of those funds, reports suggest, may have come from some local businessmen.
Jagdeo, during a press conference today, took the opportunity to clarify that the government does not sanction or condone any policy allowing private individuals or businessmen to pay for personal events like weddings or birthdays for police officers or public officials, calling such behavior reprehensible.
“Let me also make it clear here today that this government never sanctioned a policy where private individuals and businessmen could pay for the birthdays and weddings of policemen or other public officials. In fact, we think it’s reprehensible. It’s reprehensible. So, that’s all I’m going to say for now because these are legal matters, and they are before the court.
Jagdeo also emphasized that while the administration supports the police force’s leadership, it must adhere strictly to the law.
“The PPP will not tolerate corruption in the police force or anywhere else. And when we find corruption in the police force or anywhere else, there will be no attempt to cover it up,” he said.
Addressing claims from the opposition, Jagdeo recalled how the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) had expressed doubts about the impartiality of the investigation, even calling for an external body to take charge. However, he reiterated that the investigation was handled professionally, with no interference from the executive.
He added that recommendations had already been made to lay charges against Brutus based on breaches of the law, and the government would respond to Brutus’s recent constitutional motion in court.
