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What You Need To Know: AFC leader Nigel Hughes has expressed concerns over alleged political interference in the investigation of Assistant Commissioner Calvin Brutus, accusing the government of undermining the integrity of the Guyana Police Force. During an October 2024 appearance on Conversations with Rickford Burke, Hughes criticized Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s comments on the Brutus case, suggesting they may indicate undue influence on the investigation. Brutus, who claims the investigation is politically motivated, filed a High Court application seeking relief from what he argues are retaliatory actions by the government. Hughes emphasized the need for an independent external investigation into the police force to restore public confidence, warning that continued political involvement could harm Guyana’s reputation for law and order and discourage foreign investment.
The Long Read:
Alliance For Change (AFC) leader and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has expressed deep concerns over alleged political interference in the investigation of Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, accusing the government of undermining the integrity of the Guyana Police Force. Hughes made his remarks during an appearance on Conversations with Rickford Burke on October 20, 2024, where he questioned the propriety of comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo regarding Brutus’ case.
Hughes criticized Jagdeo’s public comments about Brutus, arguing that they could compromise the fairness of the investigation. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for a member of the executive, especially as high-ranking as the vice president, to make comments on an ongoing matter that clearly involves another high-ranking member of the Guyana police force,” Hughes stated. He further suggested that Jagdeo’s remarks might indicate undue influence on the investigation. “If I were Mr. Brutus, I’d be very concerned… It’s almost as if he’s saying, because Mr. Brutus has exercised his right to go to court, he can deal with you. And that is a pretty scary place for the country to be in.”
Hughes’ concerns stem from Vice President Jagdeo’s recent public assertion that the investigation into Brutus by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was a “professional” one and that pending charges were expected. The case has sparked controversy, particularly after Brutus applied to the High Court on October 16, 2024, seeking legal relief from what he claims is a politically motivated investigation aimed at tarnishing his reputation. In his application, Brutus alleges that high-ranking government officials orchestrated his transfer and forced leave through improper administrative procedures, a move he argues was intended to promote other individuals within the police force.
Hughes pointed out that if law enforcement authorities had evidence of misconduct, it should have been acted upon sooner, rather than being brought up after Brutus decided to challenge the government in court. “It seems as if this information, what the vice president has said, they’ve been aware of for a long time,” Hughes remarked. “Why did they not prosecute earlier? And this whole suggestion that because Mr. Brutus has opted to go to court, therefore he will be punished in some way by the release of this information really adds to the lack of confidence… in the Guyana Police Force.”
The issue has raised wider questions about the integrity of the police force and the possibility of political influence in investigations. Hughes described the situation as “a pretty dark, dark place to be” for Guyana, and called for an independent investigation into the Brutus case. “There must, absolutely must, be an independent external investigation into the Guyana Police Force,” Hughes asserted. He criticized the government for failing to address the internal conflicts within the police hierarchy, particularly with Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karambash leading SOCU’s investigation into Brutus, a senior police officer.
The Brutus case highlights a broader issue of transparency and governance in law enforcement. Hughes likened the current situation to past controversies, such as the case of former Police Commissioner Henry Greene, where calls were made for independent investigations into high-ranking officers. “We have a far more problematic situation now,” Hughes said, underscoring the potential conflict of interest with police officers of equal or lower rank investigating one another.
Adding to the complexity of the case are allegations that senior government officials, including Vice President Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali, may have been involved in events linked to the investigation. Rumors have surfaced about government figures contributing financially to the same events under investigation, though Hughes emphasized that these are unverified claims.
The call for an independent probe has gained momentum, with Hughes voicing strong opposition to involving regional bodies such as the Regional Security System (RSS), which previously investigated the high-profile Henry Boys case. Hughes expressed his lack of confidence in the RSS, describing their past work as “not even a rudimentary investigation” and insisting that Guyana needs law enforcement agencies with forensic capabilities insulated from political pressure. “We need to escalate this call for an independent investigation to those law enforcement agencies that… are sufficiently insulated from domestic or regional political pressure,” Hughes stated.
As Brutus’ case moves through the High Court, questions remain about the transparency of the investigation and the role of political influence in law enforcement. Brutus’ legal team, in their court filing, claim that his forced leave and the SOCU investigation were acts of political reprisal, and they are seeking to restrain the investigation and prevent further alleged harassment.
The broader implications of the case extend beyond Brutus, with Hughes warning that if investors see the police force as compromised, it could severely damage Guyana’s reputation as a stable environment for foreign investment. “If you are an investor in Guyana, you would certainly have grave reservations about the manner in which the law and order agencies conduct their work,” Hughes cautioned.
As calls for an independent probe intensify, the Brutus case continues to cast a shadow over the Guyana Police Force and its ability to conduct impartial investigations, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to restore public trust.
