Dear Editor,

I have noted an article in your April 20, edition quoting President Bharrat Jagdeo as saying that Commissioner of Police, Floyd Mc Donald, will be succeeded by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, some time next year. Frankly, I hope that the "next year" aspect of the article is an inadvertent error on your part. If not, it is unacceptable for the government to allow Mr. Mc Donald to continue to function as Commissioner, especially at this time of enormous challenge for the Police Force.

It is important to note that Mr. Mc Donald has long passed the age of retirement. He has not been exceptionally competent as Police Commissioner, and his leadership is uninspiring at best. He must therefore be removed immediately, so as to allow for the restoration of integrity, professionalism, progress and development in the force.

I urge former President Desmond Hoyte to insist on Mr. Mc Donald's immediate replacement, if and when he meets President Jagdeo for consultations on this matter. Further, Mr. Winston Felix must be appointed the substantive Commissioner of Police. He should not be made to act, as is the current practice regarding government appointments. Donor agencies should stipulate this as a condition for assistance under the justice improvement program.