Heavily armed police deployed to government ministries

Last Updated on Sunday, 17 May 2015, 23:23 by GxMedia

A member of the Police Tactical Services Unit stands guard at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Less than one day after President David Granger was sworn in following the May 11 general elections, heavily armed police were Sunday night deployed at several government ministries to strengthen security.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud told Demerara Waves Online News that policemen were posted because of unconfirmed information of “items being illegally/improperly removed.”

Demerara Waves learnt that the hard drive of one computer at a major government ministry has been wiped.

Usually, those ministries are guarded by personnel from private security services or the Special Constabulary security service of the Guyana Police Force.

A check around the capital revealed that members of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), popularly called Riot Squad, were armed with assault rifles at the ministries of finance, natural resources and the environment, home affairs, agriculture, public works, and culture youth and sports.

None was seen at the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Privatisation Unit/National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited.

The Granger-led administration is currently transitioning from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)-led government following the May 11, 2015 general and regional elections.

Granger and his A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition had, prior to the election, accused the PPPC-led administration of massive corruption and misuse of state property.