From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 20s
Guyana Police Deputy Rejects 174 Days of Forced Leave
Guyana police deputy rejects 174 days of forced leave amid rape investigation.
In brief
Guyana police deputy rejects 174 days of forced leave amid rape investigation. Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh refused 174 days of forced leave through his lawyer, claiming no legal authority to impose it ahead of retirement in April 2027. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Forced Leave Order
Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh rejected 174 days of forced leave through his lawyer.
“You have no lawful authority to impose such leave upon my client”
Leave Dispute
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken set 8 November as start date for leave ahead of retirement in April 2027.
“Mr Karimbaksh "remains ready and available to discharge his duties and comply with lawful directions"”
Legal Challenge
Lawyer claims official records show 118 days, not 174, so start date is disputed.
“If the commissioner enforces it, the lawyer says, court proceedings will follow”
Commission Not Active
Guyana’s Police Service Commission is not constituted; term expired in July.
“The commission that disciplines senior officers is not currently in place”
Rape Complaint
A woman police inspector accused Karimbaksh of rape; threatening behaviour reported.
“A woman police inspector who worked at SOCU has accused Mr Karimbaksh of rape”
US Link
Karimbaksh denied social media reports of US detention in July; said considering legal action.
“He said he was considering legal action against those behind the posts”
No Charge
No charge has been reported; Karimbaksh is presumed innocent.
“No charge has been reported, and he is presumed innocent”
Investigation Status
Rape investigation ongoing; no public reply to lawyer’s letter by 12 October.
“It is not known whether Mr Hicken will enforce the leave from 8 November”
Next Steps
Court proceedings possible if commissioner enforces leave; new commission appointment unclear.
“It is also unclear when a new Police Service Commission will be appointed”
What Matters
Socu handles financial crime with US oil company ExxonMobil; leadership dispute could slow work.
“Guyana’s oil boom is led by US company ExxonMobil”
The one thing
Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh refused 174 days of forced leave through his lawyer, claiming no legal authority to impose it ahead of retirement in April 2027.
