Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Winston Felix as the new Commissioner of Police.
Mr. Felix who was named Police Commissioner (designate) in 2002 will officially take up the position as Commissioner on February 16, 2004. He will take the Oath of Office of the Commissioner of Police before President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Mr. Gajraj said he met with the out going Commissioner, (acting) Mr. Floyd McDonald and the in-coming Commissioner and they have assured him that all arrangements will be in place for smooth transfer by February 16.
The appointment of Mr. Felix as Commissioner was long anticipated following consultations with President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr. Desmond Hoyte, late the Leader of the Main Opposition Party People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) in 2002.
The delays in the appointment of the Service Commissions caused by the opposition's withdrawal from Parliamentary process have now been overcome.
Mr. Gajraj said that earlier this week, President Jagdeo consulted with Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Ivan Crandon on the nominee for the Commissioner of Police.
He said he appreciates the services of the Guyanese public and Mr. McDonald and is confident that Mr. Felix will execute his responsibilities in accordance with the expectations of ranks of the Guyana Police Force the public and the Constitution of Guyana.