A NEW Police Service Commission was appointed yesterday, paving the way for several issues, including that of a new Police Commissioner, to be resolved.
Chairman, Ivan Crandon, told reporters the body wants to start work as early as possible, given a two-and-a-half-year hiatus which blocked key appointments.
Crandon said the stalled appointment of the Police Commissioner is a "burning issue"
but matters will be prioritised based on discussions with the Commission's Secretary, Jairam Geer.
The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, when the need for a deputy chairman for the Commission is also discussed. The body will be based at the Ministry of Works, Georgetown.
Crandon, who served the Guyana Police Force for some 30 years, said he is "very happy" that the Commission is in place, as its prolonged absence was "very distressing."
Former Public Service Minister, George Fung-On will serve as member on the body, along with Henry Chester, Harold Martin and Franchot Duncan-Clarke. Fung-On was recently appointed chairman of the Public Service Commission.
Acting President, Sam Hinds, before whom they were sworn-in at the Office of the President, said the appointment takes provisions in the country's amended Constitution a "step forward."
He said it came after a long process involving Government-Opposition consultations and
in light of the delays, the body has to do a lot of "catching up".
Mr Hinds commended those who will serve, saying they each have significant and relevant experience in the job at hand.
Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin, with whom President Bharrat Jagdeo had been consulting on the appointment of the Commission, also said he was very happy that it was finally being established.
But Corbin did not stay to witness the ceremony in the Credentials Room at the Office of the President, walking out in objection to the presence of Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj.
He said he refuses to be part of anything at which Gajraj is present, reiterating a call for the Minister to resign. Corbin's call is based on widely publicised claims of a State link to a 'phantom gang' blamed for several executions. (Nivedta Kowlessar)