The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is deeply concerned about the recent death of a man while in custody at the Cove & John Police Station.
Jordan Payne, 30, reportedly collapsed last week. His death has triggered an investigation from the Office of Professional Responsibility, resulting in the arrest of two officers.
APNU noted that the circumstances surrounding Payne’s arrest, reported illness, and death demand a full, transparent, and independent investigation.
“The key elements of the investigation are justice for his family and the wider society, and the reform of the Guyana Police Force to transform it into a professional institution that works within the confines of the rule of law.
There are too many reports of casual, fatal, and unprofessional encounters with some members of the Guyana Police Force. It is time to weed out at every level, the rogues, and vagabonds out of the GPF,” the party said.
The APNU added that a professional police force would result in the GPF living up to its motto of “service and protection,” thus allowing citizens to receive proper service from well-trained, competent, and adequately compensated police ranks.
“No citizen should lose their life while under the protection of the State. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about policing standards, detainee welfare, the abuse of power, and accountability within the Guyana Police Force.
We call on the authorities to ensure justice for the family and the wider society, and to implement urgent reforms to prevent any recurrence of such tragedies,” the party emphasised.
A post-mortem examination conducted today on Payne’s body revealed that the South Haslington, East Coast Demerara man died of peritonitis (infection of the abdomen due to a perforated stomach ulcer).
