—seeks administrative leave, protection for complainant as official silence continues
Tamùkke Feminists has called for an immediate independent investigation into allegations of rape and death threats against a senior police officer, saying the continued absence of a public response from the authorities risks undermining confidence in the justice system.
Days after the allegations became public, neither the Guyana Police Force nor Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has publicly addressed them. Repeated questions from media representatives in the Joint Services WhatsApp group have remained unanswered.
In a statement issued yesterday, October 1, Tamùkke called for the officer to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation conducted outside the influence of the force’s chain of command.
It also sought urgent protection for the serving female officer who made the allegations, including safeguards against threats to her physical safety, retaliation, reassignment or intimidation within the force.
“A woman has come forward at great personal risk, and the institutions charged with protecting the public, including her, have offered no public word, no assurance, and no visible action,” the group stated.
“That silence is not neutrality! It sends a message to the survivor, to every woman in the Force, and to every woman in Guyana: that power will be protected first.”
Tamùkke argued that leaving persons accused of sexual violence in positions of authority without visible action could deter others from reporting abuse and erode public trust.
The group said administrative leave would ensure that the accused officer held no authority over the complainant, potential witnesses or the investigation. It also called for confidential, trauma-informed psychosocial support for the complainant, provided independently of the police force.
A clear public statement from the force and the government on the steps being taken was also among its demands.
“Guyana’s commitment to ending gender-based violence will be measured by how it responds when the accused is among the powerful,” Tamùkke stated.
The allegations have not been tested, and the officer has not publicly responded. He is not being named in this report.
As reported by Kiskadee Watch on September 30, a serving female inspector alleged that the senior officer had sexual intercourse with her without her consent on two occasions, repeatedly threatened to kill her if she ended their relationship and pointed a firearm at her during a later confrontation.
Reports indicate that a formal complaint was lodged, but the force has not publicly confirmed receiving it or disclosed what action has been taken. The inspector said she informed Walrond of the alleged conduct on September 20 and was transferred to another police division on September 23.
She said fear that the officer would kill her had prevented her from reporting the alleged assaults and threats earlier. The Joint Services WhatsApp group in which journalists have sought a response includes Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, Walrond, the police public relations officer and other senior officials.
Tamùkke’s statement adds to calls from the Alliance For Change, Forward Guyana Movement and WIN parliamentarian Toshana Famey-Corlette for an independent inquiry.
The AFC sought the officer’s immediate removal from duties and an investigation involving regional and international investigators. Famey-Corlette called for his removal from operational command, while Forward Guyana Movement urged a full investigation without interference and charges if warranted by the evidence.
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