Absence of mechanism stalls appointment of Seelall as Top Cop

By Fareeza Haniff

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Government will be extending the time for Guyana’s Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell, whose tenure came to an end on February 8.

This extension will last until the appropriate mechanism is in place to appoint the next Police Commissioner – Seelall Persaud – in accordance with the constitution.

The mechanism includes the establishment of the Police Service Commission and consultations with the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger.

When contacted on Friday evening (February 28), Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee did not confirm or deny Persaud’s appointment. All the Minister would say, “After Brumell is Persaud.”

Additionally, Minister Rohee could not say how soon the consultations with the Opposition Leader will take place.

Brumell was sworn in as the 30th Police Commissioner in October 2013 after acting in the post for approximately two years, following the resignation of the late Henry Green. He joined the Force some 36 years.

His retirement comes at a time when the Force is undergoing what is commonly being referred to as a modernization process.

Earlier this month, Brumell told iNews that he plans to humbly give up the post when the time comes. “When my time comes I will go,” he had said.

It was reported in one section of the media that both President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger is opposed to a public application process for the filling of the position.

Granger had reportedly advised that Brumell leaves when his time comes.