Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams has expressed confidence in taking up the most senior job within the Guyana Police Force, saying that he is prepared and ready if given the chance to serve as the next Police Commissioner.
Williams told a media conference on Monday that he believed he was qualified and capable. He was responding to questions posed to him by the media. Williams was one of the eight persons who were recently interviewed for the position, following the retirement of Seelall Persaud.
“I’m ready for any position. Thirty-one years of service is long, and I came through the ranks from a constable to Assistant Commissioner of Police. I’ve walked the ranks, I’ve walked around Divisions, departments, everything, so whatever it is, wherever I’m being placed or whatever challenge comes before me in this Guyana Police Force to serve this nation, I’m prepared for it,” he stated.
Pressed further on whether he wanted to be the next Police Chief, Williams said, “I think among the eight Assistant Commissioners that would be the desire of all of us.”
He nevertheless stated that “the Commissioner of Police is the President’s choice and whatever God says, that’s it. I’m not worried.”
The others interviewed for the position include: David Ramnarine, Clifton Hicken, Leslie James, Lyndon Alves, Marlon Chapman, Nigel Hoppie, and Maxine Graham.
Ramnarine has been acting in the capacity of the Top Cop for quite some time now, and there has been speculation that he may cop the title.
In November of 2017, when asked whether Williams is likely to take up the mantle, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was then acting in the capacity of Public Security Minister, offered no direct reply.
Harmon, however, had hinted at the possibility of a female assuming the position of Top Cop when he outlined that while there was a line of succession in the Guyana Police Force, female officers were also to be considered when deciding on a Police Commissioner.
In so doing, he noted, “You don’t just look at the male ranks in the Police Force; we have female officers as well. And, therefore, if it is that a female officer is to be the person, then so be it.”
Nevertheless, as mandated by the Constitution, the President will have consultations with the Opposition Leader, on the names for the Top Cop position and the Deputy Commissioners of Police.
