At a simple but significant ceremony at the Office of the President, the new Police Commissioner was sworn in by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bharrat Jagdeo, in the presence of the top brass of the Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, members of the Police Service Commission and representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, among others.

Felix takes over the mantle from Commissioner (Ag.) Mr. Floyd McDonald for whom a farewell parade was held later in the afternoon at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.
Mr. Winston Gordon Felix taking the Oath of Office as Police Commissioner at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Winston Gordon Felix taking the Oath of Office as Police Commissioner at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon.

Felix's swearing in was marked by applause both on the inside, as well as from some protestors outside the Presidential Secretariat who kept up a steady chorus against Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, but warned Felix to "don't drink milk," an obvious reference to statements made by Shafiek Bacchus murder accused, Sean Hinds, following his first court appearance.

After swearing on a crimson Bible to faithfully execute his duties "without fear or favour, affection or ill will and that in the execution of the functions of that office" he would ": honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana", the bespectacled Commissioner made a succinct statement: "I have just taken the Oath of Office to perform my duties according to the Constitution of this country. Hold me accountable for that Oath."

President Jagdeo, in his remarks at the swearing in ceremony, stated: "I would like to congratulate Mr. Winston Felix, our new Commissioner of Police...I want Mr. Felix to know that he will have the full support of my Government (and) he has our confidence."

"I know you are taking over in a very difficult period and I know that your job will not be an easy one, since you will be in public scrutiny constantly. I know of the challenges we face, not just in Guyana but in the region, with increased criminality and the crime wave increasing from several factors, but I am sure that from what I know and heard of your ability, you will discharge your duties in a very professional manner and you will uphold the high office of Commissioner of Police," the President contended.

President Jagdeo lamented the fact that Mr. Felix and many members of the police force, especially at the senior level, had to wait for such a long time to be promoted.

"In fact until now several of them (senior officers) have not been promoted as yet and we are in the process of doing that (since) I think that was unconscionable because many of them had to wait for about three years and in a very difficult period in our history...and I want those officers to know that we are urging the PSC to do this expeditiously and I was assured that that is being done," the President assured.

The delay has been attributed to the non-participation of the PNC/R in discussions with the Government, a process required by the Constitution, to affirm the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police and the promotion of senior police officers.

Immediately after the formal swearing in ceremony, the new Police Commissioner was surrounded by a large media contingent and bombarded with several questioned, including what his priorities are at this point in time.

He responded: "My priorities have to deal with consultations...I have to consult with the wider society, the private sector, the tourism industry, the social and religious organizations and all those who are beneficiaries of the services of the police. Secondly, the other priority I have is to work on improving the image of the police so that we can attain greater public confidence when we are discharging our duties."

Felix also stressed that "any transitory discussions" he had with the outgoing Police Commissioner was "very confidential".

Former Police Commissioner, Mr. Laurie Lewis, in congratulating Felix, noted that he has a "tough job" ahead.

Outgoing Commissioner McDonald, in a brief comment to the media said: "I may not have achieved everything but I think I achieved a tremendous lot and I am satisfied". His advice to Felix: "Be focused".