Opposition Leader, Mr. Robert Corbin shakes the hand of Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, as he enters OP room for swearing-in ceremony. Attorney General, Mr. Doodnauth Singh, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, look on at right. (Photos by Winston Oudkerk).
A DISCIPLINED Forces Commission was yesterday appointed with a mandate to investigate and recommend reform of the Police Force, Army and Prison and Fire Services.
The Commission, headed by Senior Counsel, Mr. Ian Chang, has been ordered to give priority to its inquiry into the Police Force and make recommendations within three months. It will also review the ethnic composition of the disciplined forces to achieve greater balance, among several other duties.
Chang and members of the body - Senior Counsel, Mr. Charles Ramson, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Anil Nandlall and Brigadier (retired), David Granger - were sworn-in by Acting President, Mr. Sam Hinds at the Office of the President in Georgetown yesterday morning.
Senior Counsel, Mr. Ian Chang takes the oath of office as Chairman of the newly appointed Disciplined Forces Commission before Acting President, Mr. Sam Hinds, at the Office of the President in Georgetown, yesterday.
One other, Ms. Maggie Bierne, a member of the Commission for the Administration of Justice in Northern Ireland, was absent because her traveling and accommodation arrangements are still to be finalized.
The appointment of the Commission fulfills a measure in the Joint Communiqué signed in May by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr. Robert Corbin, Leader of the Opposition and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).
It is to commence hearing from today at the Conference Room, Law Library, Supreme Court, South Road and King Street, Georgetown.
Senior Counsel, Mr. Charles Ramson being sworn-in as a member of the Disciplined Forces Commission at the Office of the President, yesterday.
After the swearing-in ceremony in a gleaming Credentials Room at the Office of the President, Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, told reporters the inquiry into the disciplined services, particularly the much criticized Police Force, is “an opportunity to have certain grey areas cleared up”.
Corbin, among several officials witnessing the appointment, said he was “happy” to see the long-awaited Commission is about to commence work.
“…one would hope now that the Guyanese community will have full confidence, that they will bring forward the information, that they can give the Commission…an opportunity to work,” he commented.
Corbin expressed hope that arrangements can be made for Bierne to be here very quickly so that the Commission could really start its work.
The PNC/R recommended her for the post, having consulted with various human rights and other organizations, but Corbin said the Government has been unwilling to pay for her traveling to and accommodation in Guyana. He is now seeking international help for this.
Brigadier (retired) David Granger takes the oath of office as a member of the Disciplined Forces Commission at the Office of the President in Georgetown, yesterday.
Bierne has written Corbin and President Jagdeo, accepting the appointment, and the Opposition Leader said he expected the Government would have “shouldered” the responsibility of her coming here.
However, Information Liaison to the President, Mr. Robert Persaud said it is the responsibility of the nominating party to make such arrangements for their nominees on the Commission.
He said all members will be remunerated, nevertheless.
Corbin is also seeking funding for two international observers, covered as well in the agreement for the Commission.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
All branches, departments and units of the disciplined forces will be under inquiry by the Commission, which has to make recommendations for their reform, sustained professional development and structure.
It has to pay particular attention to the changing context of operations of the forces, taking into consideration national and international developments; to their relationship with and responsibility to civilian authorities; and to methods and processes of achieving greater ethnic balance.
The Commission also has to look at operational efficiency and effectiveness, including service cooperation and collaboration, and the financial and public accountability of the forces.
Under its terms of reference, the body has been further mandated to “give priority to its enquiry into the Guyana Police Force”, examining and making recommendations where necessary within three months. An interim report is to be presented to the National Assembly within this timeframe.
These recommendations will cover the composition, structure, function and operations of the Police, bearing in mind the changing nature of crime and influence of the traffic in illicit drugs and firearms, back-tracking and money laundering.
The relevance of recommendations of the International Commission of Jurists, particularly with regard to racial imbalance in the Force, to today’s reality is another of its considerations.
Terms and conditions of employment, remuneration, training, accommodation, criteria for promotion, discipline, equipment and logistical needs are other areas of focus.
Rules of engagement, including manuals of procedure of operation, powers of arrest and detention, and concerns about the adequacy and application of the Coroner’s Act, Chapter 4:03 complete the list of issues for attention.
Overall, the Commission has six months to present its report, findings, recommendations and implementation timetable to the National Assembly.
This, and the interim report on the Police Force, will be subject to an affirmative resolution by Parliament.