Alleged instruction on Giftland security cameras raises eyebrows

Chairman of the Giftland Group of Companies, Roy Beepat has alleged that he was told on Thursday by a police rank that any of Giftland Mall’s security cameras focusing on the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal was “illegal.”

It is not clear who passed the alleged instruction. Acting Police Commander of Region Four (A) Phillip Azore has denied issuing any such instruction.

In a statement on Thursday, Beepat said he was informed by a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that if any of the mall’s security cameras are “pointing” at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre and the access roads, it is “illegal.”

Over the past few days, containers containing ballots from the March 2nd general and regional elections were being stored in the compound of the Convention Centre. The containers were moved to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) headquarters yesterday.

According to Beepat, the security cameras at the mall were installed based on advice received from security experts and have been there since the establishment of the business.

“The cameras installed at my premises have been there since the mall was opened and from the inception, [they] were all pointing in the directions that they continue to focus, up to this point in time. The location and focus of these cameras are based upon advice I received from security experts. In light of the dire circumstances that have ensued [since] the March 2nd, 2020 elections which continues to prevail, my security experts have advised that I install the additional cameras to enhance monitoring and security of the premises,” he said.

The businessman said that he has since consulted with his attorneys, who advised that no laws were violated.

As a result, Beepat said, he has decided that he will not be altering the positions of the cameras since the security of the business and safety of all including visitors and employees remains a priority.

Meanwhile, contacted yesterday, Azore told Stabroek News that the issue was bought to his attention. He noted that the instructions did not come from him or his division. “Definitely didn’t come from me or anyone in my division….Giftland is my division and I didn’t give no instructions,” the police commander said.

He noted that questions need to be directed to Giftland as to whether the individual provided a name or showed any identification during his presence there since it may be a case of impersonation.

When this newspaper contacted Beepat, he said that the individual is known to him since he was a former employee.

Beepat identified the man as a rank attached to the GPF’s Special Branch, and who reportedly works with an Assistant Commissioner of Police. He said that the man did provide the security at the mall with his identification during his time there.

Beepat added that the issue has been resolved since the containers have been removed. “My camera is no longer an issue now,” he said.