Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has expressed serious concern over the alleged unauthorised release of footage from the Guyana Police Force’s surveillance network, warning that the incident could have far-reaching consequences for national security and the protection of citizens.
Nandlall, speaking on his weekly programme “Issues in the News,” said the circumstances surrounding the footage allegedly obtained by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed highlight the importance of securing the country’s expanding surveillance infrastructure.
He explained that the Government’s Safe Country Programme allows law enforcement authorities to monitor activities along major roadways and in communities through a network of closed-circuit television cameras.
The recordings are transmitted to a central facility at Liliendaal, where police can review footage to support investigations and other security operations.
According to the Attorney General, the system is capable of capturing information about the movements of people occupying sensitive positions, including the President, senior military officers, police officials, members of the judiciary and other public figures.
He argued that such information, if improperly accessed, could be used in ways that place individuals at risk.
“Every person’s safety can be jeopardised if this programme is compromised,” Nandlall warned.
The Attorney General said the matter should not be viewed solely through the circumstances surrounding Mohamed, since the implications of a security breach could extend to anyone whose movements are recorded.
Nandlall questioned the suggestion that recordings generated by the state-owned security system should be available to members of the public without established procedures being followed.
He maintained that unrestricted access would undermine the purpose of having a controlled surveillance network to assist law enforcement.
The comments come as investigators pursue allegations that police surveillance recordings were unlawfully obtained and transferred to Mohamed.
The Opposition Leader and Police Constable Ryan Greene were charged in connection with the alleged transfer of footage from the Command Centre. Another rank, Ashton Chappelle, was subsequently charged in relation to the matter.
The footage is connected to an October 12 incident outside the Kitty residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, a witness in the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.
Investigators allege that $800,000 was paid to obtain the recordings. Mohamed had previously displayed footage publicly while disputing the account given by police about the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a review of security arrangements at the Command Centre.
The review will examine the personnel assigned to the facility, their levels of access, supervisory arrangements and operational procedures to determine whether additional safeguards are required.
The Ministry has indicated that the findings could also inform changes to existing legislation.
