The Women and Gender Equality Commission has expressed concern over the "deafening silence" of the Guyana Police Force's top management months after a senior policewoman accused a high-ranking officer of sexual assaults.
Media reports have identified the accused officer as Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit. In a statement, the Commission noted that Home Affairs Minister Waldron had indicated an investigation was launched in January 2026, though the officer remains on the job.
The Commission explained that it has spent several years educating the public, particularly workers, on the unlawfulness of sexual harassment and the gravity of sexual offences. It has urged persons to report such matters, recognising that victims are often constrained by fear and embarrassment.
"What is particularly unacceptable in this instance is that serving members of the Guyana Police Force, who are mandated to serve and protect the public, are themselves subject to sexual abuse from within their own institution," it added.
The Commission pointed out that the policewoman overcame fear and embarrassment to report the incidents to the Home Affairs Minister, an act that appeared to have resulted in her transfer to another post. It could not confirm whether appropriate action was taken on the allegations of rape, and asked whether the officer was relieved of duty, as is customary in such cases.
"Every Guyanese has the right to work and to do so in a safe environment. No one in this country should ever be made to choose between their safety, their dignity and their livelihood," the Commission emphasised.
It noted that the responsibility to protect rights rests with all, but particularly those who bear a duty of care, including ministers, agency heads and law enforcement.
"This case represents a test of Guyana's institutions on whether they are capable of holding the 'powerful' accountable. It is therefore an imperative that we must not fail in this instance," the statement from the Commission concluded.