After much fanfare over the Disciplined Forces Com-mission's proposals to reform the police force, there now seems to be little interest for Parliament to debate the issues.
Secretary to the commission, Gino Persaud says the panel has received no communication from the government or Parliament in relation to the interim report submitted in December. In that report the commission had recommended that the Assembly ask the government to draft a five-year development plan for the force. It was expected that a motion would be tabled in Parliament for debate and action on the report.
Meanwhile, the commission's authority has been put in doubt given that the ruling PPP/C has objected to the appointment of Dr. Harold Lutchman and says it will not be bound by the final report as a result.
Dr. Lutchman, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana was nominated by the PNCR to sit on the commission after the resignation of Irish human rights activist Maggie Beirne, who left after fulfilling her work with the completion of the interim report. The PPP/C said its objections were on the grounds of Lutchman having given evidence before the commission on behalf of the Trades Union Congress.
Lutchman has since noted that he was appointed by the then acting President, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. Although he was unwilling to confront the issue he pointed out to Stabroek News that the objection to his inclusion on the commission was only voiced after his appointment. He says he has been performing his functions and is focused on his duties.
The commission was set up by the National Assembly to inquire into the operations of the Disciplined Forces - the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service - to make recommendations for their reform, sustained professional development and structure. Persaud says the commission is working to complete its report for presentation to the Assembly by March 18. Visits have been planned for Berbice, where the commission held a public hearing last year. They had also planned to visit the New Amsterdam Prison, having already visited the George-town Prison. Although the lack of funds has prevented this visit, Persaud describes it as a small hitch which would be rectified within the next few weeks when the government hands over more money.
Meanwhile Persaud says no one had asked the commission to examine the allegations that Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj knew about a death squad nor have there been any requests by any party or organisation. (Andre Haynes)