Guyana Minister calls for leave for Deputy Commissioner amid assault allegations

Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has expressed her strong support for placing Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behavior. Karimbaksh currently heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

The allegations were brought forward by a serving member of the Guyana Police Force, who has since been transferred to a different unit. Minister Walrond noted that while she believes Karimbaksh should be suspended during the probe, the Police Service Commission (PSC)—the body responsible for taking action against senior officers—is not currently constituted, having reportedly expired in July.

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has established a team to investigate the matter. The process will involve collecting statements from relevant parties, including the alleged victim and Karimbaksh himself. Minister Walrond plans to meet with Commissioner Hicken to determine the appropriate course of action and address the procedural challenges posed by the inactive PSC.