[www.inewsguyana.com]–More than two dozen Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Guyanese recently participated in a Human Rights Workshop organized by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).
The session was intended to educate LGBT Guyanese, sex workers and other marginalized groups who frequently interact with police on the rights afforded to them as citizens vis-a-viz police powers as stipulated under the Police Act and the Guyana Constitution.
The workshop which was facilitated by Former Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix and titled “Know Your Rights: Citizens Rights vis-a-viz Police Powers” was held at the Moray House in Georgetown on Wednesday last.
“SASOD embarked on this workshop as a means of empowering these groups as they frequently come into contact with law enforcement officials and many of them are unaware of their rights and the powers of the police,” a statement from the gay rights advocacy group explained.
Felix reportedly enlightened participants about the laws as it relates to being questioned, searched and arrested by the police. He informed them of the powers, responsibilities and limitations of the police and also about their rights and protections guaranteed to them under the Guyana constitution.
He also went through the standard operating procedures that officers should follow if they are questioning, searching or arresting an individual.
The interactive workshop allowed participants to frankly share their experiences with the retired Commissioner in their previous interactions with police officers.
Many of them noted instances where their rights were violated by officers who do not afford them equal treatment under the law because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
Felix in his discussions with the participants noted that constant sensitivity training is required for police officers both in training and as refresher courses in order for them to become more familiar with the issues affecting LGBT Guyanese and other vulnerable groups, and how to interact with them on a daily basis.
Attending the workshop were 30 participants from a number of civil society organisations, including, Artistes In Direct Support (A.I.D.S.), Diverse Youth Movement (DIYOME), Guyana Trans United (GTU), Guyana Sex Work Coalition (GSWC), Guyana Youth Coalition, Hope For All Foundation from the Essequibo Coast, Family Awareness Consciousness Together (FACT) from Corriverton, United Bricklayers from New Amsterdam, and members and associates of SASOD.
felix shuda a tell dem people who eput ckane in dem sute case
the man felix in his full glory huh…the man who as country police commissioner caught on tape with a prominent pnc member and lawyer planning to put illicit drugs on a woman when she arrive at the airport on her trip…the most frightening part of all this is that these two men felix and williams are pnc members of parliament..any other political party these two men would never serve..only pnc where pnc officials have no morals no scruples no decency no respect for themselves