The appointment and confirmation of personnel for a number of top constitutional positions in Guyana is still on the cards and depends on consensus between the government and the combined opposition. In this regard, Justice Cecil Kennard and Opposition Leader David Granger have acknowledged the need for confirmed persons to fill these critical positions.
Speaking with Guyana Times International on Monday, former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Kennard said there is a need for long-outstanding constitutional offices to be occupied by confirmed personnel.
There are currently a number of positions which are filled with persons only acting in those capacities. Persons currently in acting positions include Justice Ian Chang as chief justice, Justice Carl Singh as the chancellor of the judiciary and Leroy Brumell as commissioner of police.
However, there are also other vacant constitutional positions that exist such as that of the ombudsman and chairman of the Integrity Commission.
Justice Kennard noted that consensus between the opposition and government is important in reaching a decision for confirmation of persons to these offices.
However, Kennard said he does not see any agreement materialising between the two sides soon, but hoped that it would not take too long.
“I hope that the president and the opposition leader would be able to resolve whatever difficulties surrounding the outstanding appointment of these critical positions. They should be able to sit and discuss such matters as mature politicians to determine who gets the positions,” he stressed.
He stressed that those currently in acting positions “ought to know where they stand”.
Best candidates
Referring specifically to the chief justice and chancellor of the judiciary, Kennard said justices Chang and Singh are most suited and should therefore be confirmed.
“Currently, the High Court has a lot of young people practicing the profession and so I believe acting Chief Justice Ian Chang is well suited for the position, he has many years of experience. The acting chancellor of the judiciary should also be confirmed,” he stated, adding that “These people must know where they stand after acting in their positions for such long periods.”
Meanwhile, Granger said he has responded to every request from the president relating to the appointment of persons to constitutional positions.
As it relates to that of acting Police Commissioner Brumell, Granger said he has already agreed to discuss his appointment with the president.
However, Granger declined to comment as it relates to his views on possible candidates for other positions.
He noted that when he is invited by President Donald Ramotar to discuss appointments, he will reveal his recommendations.
Guyana has been without an ombudsman for a number of years. An ombudsman is usually appointed by the government or by Parliament, but with a significant degree of in dependence.
The person holding that office is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or violation of rights.
