The PNCR says that contrary to claims from the Office of the President, Oppposition Leader Robert Corbin has not been invited for consultations by President Bharrat Jagdeo on the appointment of a Commissioner of Police.
Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon at his post-cabinet press briefing on Wednesday said President Jagdeo had invited Opposition Leader Corbin to conclude consultations on implementing the remaining constitutional provisions to facilitate that appointment, as well as those of the deputy commissioners.
According to Luncheon, the President had concluded consultations with the recently-appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission Ivan Crandon during which he endorsed the body's recommendations.
The consultations, held at the Office of the President on Wednesday dealt with the appointment of the commissioner and deputy commissioners of the GPF, Luncheon said.
However, in a press release yesterday the PNCR said Luncheon's statement was not true, adding that in a letter dated January 27 the President invited Corbin to consult only on recommendations for the appointment of deputy commissioners.
The PNCR said there could be no mistake on this matter since Corbin had previously received a letter dated January 20, 2004 and signed by Luncheon inviting him to consult with the President on "recommendations for appointment to deputy commissioner."
The PNCR release said Corbin subsequently received an email from the Office of the President asking that the letter from Luncheon be disregarded. The PNCR said it was significant that Luncheon's letter included the appointment of Winston Felix to the substantive position of Deputy Commissioner. Felix is expected to be appointed as Commissioner of Police.
Corbin yesterday responded to the President's letter of January 27 in which he expressed concerns about the failure to have on that agenda the appointment of the commissioner of police and insisting that this matter be included.
Felix's appointment which has been pending for more than a year was recommended following his successful completion of a Scotland Yard training course in 2002.