The Guyana government says it will seek a ‘a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation’ into the death of 16-year-old Altaf King, whose death by accident on Thursday night led to residents staging protest and setting fires on a section of the Corentyne Public Road in Berbice.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, in extending ‘deepest condolences to the family’ said ‘I wish to assure the family and the public that this matter will be the subject of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. ‘Every aspect of the incident will be carefully examined, and if any criminal or disciplinary culpability is established, it will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with the law. No one is above accountability,’ Waldron said.
The Home Affairs Minister also appealled to the residents of Skeldon and the surrounding communities to ‘remain calm, refrain from actions that may endanger lives and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference.
‘I understand the grief and concern being expressed, but it is essential that the truth is established through a comprehensive and independent investigation,’ Waldron said.
In a statement late Thursday night, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said enquires so far indicate that King was riding a motorcycle ‘when he attempted to evade a Police patrol, lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a utility pole’.
The GPF said its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has commenced an ‘immediate investigation’ and ‘will examine all aspects of the incident and establish whether there was any criminal or disciplinary culpabilit’.
Police said King sustained injuries and was conveyed to the Regional Public Hospital, where he was examined and pronounced dead on arrival.
It said also that it recognises the seriousness of the matter and sought to assure the relatives of the dead teenager and members of the public that ‘appropriate action would be taken should any criminal or disciplinary culpability be established.’
But the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party claimed that the cyclist was struck down by the police and is demanding ‘Justice for young Altaf that was purposely hit by Police Officer in Corriverton’.
The other opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) called for a full, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the cyclist, as well as the immediate preservation of all relevant evidence, including police records, communications, and any available video footage, and appropriate action against any individual found to have acted negligently or unlawfully.
‘The timely release of the findings to the public to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence.
‘The PNCR/APNU stands with the grieving family in their pursuit of truth and justice. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child under such circumstances without clear answers and accountability,’ the PNCR-APU said.