The Alliance For Change (AFC) has called for an independent external probe into allegations of financial impropriety against Deputy Commissioner (Ag) Calvin Brutus, who has proceeded on annual leave amidst the controversy.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) headquarters announced on Thursday afternoon that Brutus requested permission to take leave to allow for an investigation into the allegations in the best interest of the Force. His request was granted by Commissioner of Police (Ag) Clifton Hicken following the prescribed procedure.
At an AFC press conference today, leader Nigel Hughes stated, “The Guyana Police Force cannot be expected to investigate itself, particularly at the level of allegations of criminal activity against high ranking members, at the level of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.”
Hughes referenced comments made by Top Cop Hicken on Wednesday, dismissing reports that a senior police officer attempted to deposit millions into the Guyana Police Cooperative Credit Union and stating that there was no ongoing investigation. Hughes expressed concern over these remarks, saying, “The statement by the Commissioner of Police that there was no attempt to deposit tens of millions of dollars by his deputy into the credit union is a cause for great concern.”
He further asserted that Hicken should step down as Commissioner during the independent investigation, arguing, “The powers vested in the commissioner who can influence the conduct of any police investigation into his deputy, coupled with his clear attempt to provide cover for his deputy necessitates his removal from office during the course of the investigation.”
Hughes also suggested that Hicken, having passed the retirement age, should consider retiring.
Moreover, he underscored that the investigation must be conducted by an external agency, possibly an external police force from the Caribbean.
“We could invite somebody from Barbados, Jamaica, [preferably] Jamaica to come and conduct that investigation,” he added. Hughes emphasised that the external body should be vested with the appropriate powers to carry out a thorough investigation.
