INTELLIGENCE-driven special operations being pursued to strengthen security, particularly along the East Coast Demerara, have been specifically tasked and sourced to track down the gang responsible for several crimes including the Lusignan massacre.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, said the ‘special squads’ are not involved in the regular noise nuisance campaign, patrolling or clearing vegetation, but are tasked specifically and with the exclusive responsibility of tracking down the criminals.

He further noted that the public response in providing information on the gang has been heartening although it is unclear whether this is influenced by the $50M reward offered for the capture of wanted man Rondel Rawlins or the indignation or outrage that the Lusignan massacre fuelled.

Nevertheless, substantial information has been and continues to be provided to the Joint Services. This has enabled them to rule out areas where the gang may be hiding out, conduct searches for the criminals and carry out activities that have denied them access to save haven.

Commenting on the ongoing investigations launched into reports by members of the Lusignan community about the response from the Vigilance Police Station, Dr. Luncheon said it is certain that there will be hastened actions to provide the Office of the President with the outcome of the investigations.

Reference was made to Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee’s calls for changes in that Division during which it was noted that the Police Act makes specific reference to the power of the Minister in terms of giving specific and/or general direction to the Commissioner.

Additionally, during Cabinet Retreat in 2007, it was made clear that the Police, the Commissioner, and those at the Police Stations will be held under heightened level of accountability for the way in which they discharge their functions. This was discussed in light of actions to improve Government’s effectiveness.

When asked about the administration’s position on calls by the Alliance for Change and the Guyana Action Party/Working People’s Alliance for a comprehensive security reform plan, Dr. Luncheon said although he is not aware of how comprehensive this ‘plan’ should be, all and sundry are in possession of Security Sector Reform Strategy.

This strategy has been tabled in Parliament and is subjected to ongoing Parliamentary oversight and monitoring for the life of its implementation.

It was also noted that specific elements of the strategy have been identified by the United Kingdom Government/Department for International Development (DFID) and therefore suggestions to fast track implementation would have to take into consideration the bilateral agreement between the Government of Guyana and UK/DFID.

In addition, the British High Commissioner has already indicated a timeframe for implementation of specific aspects which have been set sometime before or by the end of this month. (GINA)