Police directed to conduct further investigations into theft allegations against firemen
Police Legal Advisor, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has advised that further investigations be done on the theft alleged to have been committed by a dozen members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) last Friday, when they responded to the crash-landing of a Fly Jamaica airplane.
The airplane crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Friday morning at around 2.45. Firemen promptly responded, and shortly after, they were accused of removing personal items belonging to the crew and passengers Jamaica aircraft.
Speaking to Stabroek News via telephone last evening, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves explained that the file was returned to the commander of the division, Marlon Chapman, for additional investigations to be done. He noted that Singh, in the case file, highlighted areas in which she is seeking clarity and which would warrant additional investigations being conducted.
According to Alves, because of the need for further investigations, they are unable to say of the Fly whether charges will be brought against the firemen.
The Government of Guyana (GoG) on Tuesday condemned as reprehensible allegations of theft by members of the GFS.
A statement issued by the Guyana government said, “Cabinet strongly condemned as criminal and morally corrupt those alleged acts of theft, and urged that the perpetrators be brought to swift justice.”
“It must be noted that not only did the accused cast a blemish on the reputation of the disciplined services but they have tarnished Guyana’s image,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the firemen were released from police custody on $100,000 bail each.
Cabinet and the National Security Committee (NSC) were on Tuesday briefed about the incident involving Fly Jamaica’s flight OJ256.
“During the emergency operations that followed the emergency landing, members of the GFS rushed to the scene. After the mop-up, some personal items belonging to crew members and some passengers were discovered missing,” the statement explained.
Initial reports had stated that 14 firemen were arrested, however, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle clarified that 12 members were arrested. After a report was made to the police on Friday morning of personal belongings going missing, an investigation was launched. During that preliminary investigation, one fireman came forward with some of the stolen items.