Claims that plans are afoot to establish death squads, ‘black clothes’ groups are erroneous, ‘malicious’ – Minister, JSCC

The Ministry of Home Affairs says it is concerned about a Facebook post alleging the government’s plan to establish “Death Squads and Black Clothes groups”.

The article being referenced is from “Guyana News Today” which headlines “Exclusive: PPP secures 250million budget to resuscitation Black Clothes Death Squad”.

“It is apt to note that none of the deliberately malicious and incendiary statements were made during the consideration of the matter of the establishment of Regional Joint Support teams, either in presentations or even heckling from the benches,” the Ministry said.

Minister Robeson Benn said, “I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the malicious, deliberate, incendiary and delusional attempts to: bring the security forces into disrepute; to target individuals in those services; and to foment mischief and misrepresentations with respect to the policies and programs of the PPP/C government in its efforts to improve safety and security throughout Guyana.”

The Joint Services Co-ordinating Council (JSCC) has also come out cautioning citizens against “reckless and irresponsible social commentary which could have a damaging effect on society.”

It said, “The council has noted a circulating document which serves to implicate members of the Joint Services in illegal activities and wishes to make it clear that Operational Troops remain under the command and administration of the Joint Services.”

The JSCC added, “It must be further noted that the recent Supplementary Provisions approved by the National Assembly is intended to fund and support Joint Support Teams in the various administrative regions under the command of the Joint Services headed by Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess. The allegation that a senior Officer of the Guyana Defence Force is to head a ‘killing squad’ is outrageous. The JSCC reiterates its call for persons to be responsible and stay away from creating public mischief.”