PNC/R urges early appointment of Felix
Stabroek News
April 28, 2002
The PNC/R is querying the length of time being taken to have acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Winston Felix appointed to the top post in the force.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Thursday, PNC/R’s Member of Parliament (MP), Lance Carberry, alluded to a statement issued by the British High Commissioner which said Felix went to the UK last year for intensive training and that his appointment would greatly assist the criminal justice reform programme.
“Why has Mr Felix got to wait until some unspecified time next year to substantively assume the position of commissioner?” Carberry asked. “The government must let the public know what specific additional training is planned and the duration, as well as a definite time-frame for the completion of the transitional arrangements for the full assumption of the office of Commissioner by Mr Felix.”
Carberry said the process must be transparent and demonstrated to be in the best interest of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The PNC/R MP urged government to provide adequate resources to the force for it to effectively carry out its mandate.
“The professionalism and competence of the new commissioner and his commitment to undertake the difficult task of reintroducing the culture of professional policing can be easily frustrated if the PPP/C regime continues its destructive policy of denying the GPF adequate financial and other resources, and a free hand to guide the force without the unenlightened political interference which has only served to corrupt its development,” he said.
Carberry said the party was satisfied that Felix was well equipped to fill the position of commissioner with distinction and asserted that the PNC/R will continue to monitor the process.