Commissioner of Police selected through prescribed Constitutional process – Pres. Granger
DPI, Guyana, Friday, August 31, 2018
President David Granger said newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Leslie James was selected from a list submitted following consultations by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission in keeping with the constitutional mandate.
In his third Press conference since taking office, earlier today President David Granger said:
“The selection of the Police Commissioner is regulated by the Constitution. It is an extremely important position and every stage of the selection process is mandated in the constitution.”
The Head of State noted that there was a process to be followed before the Commissioner could have been sworn.
“First, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission had to be constitutionally appointed. Once he is appointed, he becomes a member of the Police Commission. Then, the Police Commission itself had to be appointed and once appointed they met and deliberated. Following their deliberation, I was required under the constitution to consult with the Police Service Commission.”
President Granger explained that following the consultation he would be in receipt of recommendations made by the Police Service Commission and would implement them if he found to be reasonable.
In addition, the Head of State said he is comfortable with the selection since the Police Service Commission had access to critical information to guide its decision.
“My final decisions were based largely on the consultation that I had with the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. The Police Service Commission conducted interviews, had access to files, not only of current events in the Police Force but of historic events… and I relied very heavily on the advice that I received. So, as far as the selection process is concerned I can justify my decisions,” the president said.
Following consultations with the leader of the Opposition, as constitutionally mandated, President David Granger, yesterday named and subsequently swore in Leslie James as the Commissioner of Police.
Commissioner James held the post of Commander of ‘C” Division from July 25, 2018, up until his recent appointment. Between the period 2014-2015, James held the posts of Officer-in-Charge of the Project Officer, Eve Leary, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department and Head of the Special Branch. James is to be assisted by four Deputy Commissioners. These are Nigel Hoppie, Paul Williams, Maxime Graham and Lindon Alves.
By: Kidackie Amsterdam.
Images: Ministry of the Presidency, Keno George.