Rift in police force hierarchy being addressed – Minister Harmon

GINA, Guyana, Thursday, November 10, 2016

The recent difference of opinion between Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud and his second in Command, Deputy Commissioner David Ramnarine has been discussed by Cabinet. Any differences will be addressed by the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Minister Harmon, at a post-Cabinet media briefing today, at the Ministry of the Presidency, stated that in large organisations, there would always be some level of conflict. However, he explained that due to the importance of the Guyana Police Force to the national security structure, “It is important that these matters that occur in the public space, in the media, that they be dealt with in another way.”

Minister Harmon added that, “The issues that came into the public space, are issues that could have been dealt with internally…this question or writing letters here and there.”

At that high level, the Minister noted that if a subordinate has done something which requires a reprimand, or some amount of proper assigning, those things can be done internally. “In fact, the President said he prefers that you have public praise and private reprimand, so that if something like that is done, the person is brought in and you say, man what is it you’ve done here? Let us correct it.”

Ramnarine was appointed to act as Police Commissioner for a 100-day period whilst his superior was on annual leave. The acting Commissioner then, with advice and the support of the force’s top management, promoted several ranks for their outstanding services and actions during this period. Upon his return, Commissioner Seelall instructed that all of the promotions approved by Ramnarine be rescinded.

 

By: Paul McAdam