Despite media reports that Crime Chief Seelall Persaud is tipped to replace Leroy Brumell as Police Commissioner, President Donald Ramotar has yet to consult with Opposition Leader David Granger as is constitutionally mandated.
However, unlike the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary appointments, the President is not required to agree with the Opposition Leader’s choice.
Former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin had opposed the appointment of Henry Greene as the police chief, but then President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed him as Commissioner, albeit two years after he was appointed to act.
Speaking to Guyana Times International on Tuesday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Vice Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said he and other coalition members are being guided by what was published in the press.
He said the head of state has not yet met with the leader of the opposition coalition to discuss the new appointment. He was also unable to say when the two leaders would meet.
Last week, President Ramotar had promised that he would make an official announcement regarding the post of Police Commissioner. Until now, nothing has been said.
However, sources close to this publication have revealed that Deputy Commissioner Seelall is expected to replace Commissioner Brumell, who will retire shortly.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee was also unsure when the official announcement will be made. He had said the extension of Commissioner Brumell’s tenure will last until the appropriate system is in place to appoint the new Commissioner. Those systems include meeting with the opposition leader.
Brumell, whose term of office expired on February 8, remains on the job to facilitate a smooth transition for his successor. He is expected to leave by mid-March. He took up the substantive post of Police Commissioner in October last year, after acting in the position since December 19, 2011. Brumell has served the force for more than 36 years.
Granger has been on record as saying that Brumell should leave the office when the time comes. The 50-year-old Persaud holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management and a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Studies from the University of Guyana (UG).
He also holds a Certificate Course for Senior Executives in National and International Security from Harvard University. He completed the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Standard Officers Course and investigating courses at the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
