By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has publicly accused the government and police administration of executing retaliatory transfers against senior rank-and-file officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who interact with him professionally.
Speaking during a press briefing on August 5, 2026, Mohamed alleged that a Senior Superintendent was punitive-transferred to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) shortly after shaking his hand during a public outreach in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara.
Alleged Transfer Following Den Amstel Outreach
According to the Opposition Leader, the senior officer approached him on July 29 during a visit to Den Amstel to request that the gathering remain peaceful and orderly:
- Professional Exchange: Mohamed stated that the exchange was purely professional, aimed at maintaining public order during community discussions.
- Immediate Reassignment: Mohamed claimed he was later informed that the officer—identified as Superintendent Jaganandan—was abruptly reassigned to the Tactical Services Unit in Georgetown as punishment for the handshake.
“This is dictatorship; this is not how a democracy operates,” Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed stated. “An officer approaches me to ensure a gathering remains peaceful, shakes my hand in professional courtesy, and days later he is transferred across the country.”
[ ALLEGED RETALIATORY POLICE TRANSFERS ]
│
┌──────────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼
[ Superintendent Jaganandan ] [ Officer Braithwaite & Others ]
- Shook hands with Opposition Leader during July 29 Den Amstel visit - Allegedly reassigned following routine professional interactions
- Reassigned to Tactical Services Unit (TSU) - Accused of providing informational updates to opposition
- Transfer cited by opposition as "culture of intimidation" - Opposition calls for immediate reinstatement to posts
Allegations of Broader Retaliation and Poor Working Conditions
The Opposition Leader cited additional cases of alleged administrative victimisation, naming Officer Braithwaite alongside other ranks who were reportedly transferred or disciplined after either engaging opposition representatives or being suspected of leaking operational updates.
Beyond the transfers, Mohamed raised broader concerns regarding systemic welfare issues within the Guyana Police Force:
- Overworked & Underpaid: Ranks deployed to prolonged security detail—including recent major demonstrations in Linden and along the East Coast of Demerara—are reportedly subjected to extended shifts without adequate meals or rest.
- Fear of Speaking Out: Mohamed alleged that officers who complain about operational logistics or insufficient allowances face administrative punishment or transfers to remote hinterland locations.
Call for Administrative Review
Characterizing the actions as part of a “culture of intimidation,” Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed called on the Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission to rescind the transfers and restore the affected officers to their former divisional postings.
The Guyana Police Force administration has not issued an official statement regarding the specific reasons for the internal personnel reassignments.
