Criticism of Minister of Home Affairs Over Lack of Action in Police Custody Death

In a letter to the Editor published in Kaieteur News on November 3, 2026, Jamil Changlee conveyed condolences to the family and friends of Gavin Douglas, who died while in police custody. Changlee asserted that the Minister of Home Affairs, described as an intelligent young lady, possesses the knowledge of what is required concerning Officer Narine and Officer Karimbaksh, but decisive action has not yet been taken to convey a clear message to the Force that they will be held responsible for their actions.

Changlee stated that the recent news of a person dying while in police custody should serve as a warning that some members of the Guyana Police Force are out of control. The writer argued that if an example is not set for senior officials who violate the law, junior members of the Force will continue to act as they please, which has resulted in the untimely death of an individual. It was deemed urgent and necessary for Minister Waldrond to regain control of the GPF and hold all individuals responsible or under suspicion of breaking the law accountable, as waiting for more fatalities while in police custody is no longer an option.

According to the letter, both Officer Narine and Officer Karimbaksh should have been suspended during the investigation into breaking the law, and the officers involved in the death of civilian Gavin Douglas should face charges and be detained while investigations continue. Changlee expressed that it is unacceptable that the Minister has not introduced an external investigative team for these high-profile matters, and the delay in a decision has caused doubts regarding the police force's capacity to hold its officers accountable. The letter further contended that Minister Waldrond must act immediately to prevent the GPF from deteriorating into lawlessness, incompetence, and what appears to be criminal conduct. Changlee warned that if no action is taken, citizens may begin disregarding the police due to a perceived lack of respect for their authority, leading to an increase in lawlessness on the streets.