Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has clarified the government’s new stance on vehicle tints within the Guyana Police Force, making it clear that the directive is aimed squarely at subordinate ranks who have heavily tinted their private vehicles.
“This is not in any way to circumvent the senior ranks who have tinted vehicles issued to them in execution of their duties,” Walrond told the News Room on the sidelines of an event on Thursday.
“This announcement does not address those kinds of vehicles – those used by CID ranks and all of that. These are subordinate ranks who have taken their private vehicles and put heavy tint.”
The clampdown was first communicated on Wednesday, when Walrond warned all police ranks that tints must be removed from their vehicles unless they possess a valid permit. The message, she stressed, is one of accountability: those who enforce the law must first comply with it.
“Let it be clearly understood that the law applies to everyone equally. Those empowered to enforce the law must be the first to uphold it. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, without exception,” the notice stated.
Speaking again on Thursday, Walrond provided further clarity on what those disciplinary measures could entail. Penalties vary depending on an officer’s existing record, she explained, but can include demotion or even dismissal for officers who repeatedly violate the rules. “Depending on the number of disciplinary actions already in your file, it can end up with them being demoted or even being released from the Police Force.”
Police Commanders and Deputy Commissioners have already issued a circular reinforcing the directive. When asked how many ranks are currently driving with illegal tints, Walrond said the matter has been placed squarely in the hands of regional commanders.
“They are aware of which of their ranks have private vehicles, because most times they are parked right there in the police compound,” she noted.
Commanders have now been instructed to identify all officers with illegal tints and ensure they are removed. According to the minister, the process has already begun.
“I have been getting videos from across the country of policemen and women taking off their tints,” she said, noting that early compliance shows the directive is being taken seriously.
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