Opposition Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who covers the security sector, is not supportive of the President’s decision to extend the tenure of Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken beyond his retirement age.

Mr. Hicken reached the retirement age of 55 in July, but President Irfaan Ali announced on Monday that he has decided to extend his time as the Acting Top Cop.

In a statement today, Ms. Chandan-Edmond who is a former Magistrate, said she strongly disagrees with the President’s decision, which comes on the heels of an alarming increase in crime and a long list of local and foreign organisations expressing concern over the crime situation in the country.

She said she believes the decision has been made against the backdrop of a politicized Police Force which is at the the lowest point of its existence in terms of morale and credibility.

The Constitution of Guyana stipulates that the appointment of a substantive Police Commissioner must be subject to meaningful consultation with the Leader of Opposition.

The Opposition MP said it is now expected that the President will activate the consultation process in accordance with Article 211 of the Constitution soonest to proceed on the appointment of substantive Police Commissioner. She said with the current situation in the country, the President would do well to reverse his decision to extend Mr. Hicken’s time in office and begin the process to have a substantive Commissioner appointed.

The Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has repeatedly indicated that he is not supportive of Hicken being appointed as the substantive Police Commissioner.

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