-says will not bow to political pressure or interference
Acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene says the recent transfer of two senior officers to the interior was his decision, adding that it is not his duty to disclose to any political party the reason for his action.
Greene who recently returned from a Commissioners of Police conference in Jamaica was yesterday responding to statements made by the PNCR over the issue.
The opposition party had condemned the “unprecedented and unilateral transfer of two senior police officers to the interior by the Jagdeo Administration, allegedly, because they refused to shoot PNCR demonstrators last Thursday (May 8) as ordered by the political administration”.
The party said that it was reliably informed that the transfers came as disciplinary action for failing to carry out a political directive, adding that this is a grave development which could have serious repercussions for the morale and discipline in the police force, as well as peace, order and good governance of Guyana.
The Commissioner in a press release issued yesterday apologized for his delay in responding to the statements made by PNCR.
Greene said that “The statement of the PNCR seems to be an attempt to influence the actions of the Force Administration in relation to managing the Force”. He added that he will not “bow to political pressure nor interference in performing his duties”.
Greene supported this position by referring to Section 7 (1) of Chapter 16:01 of the Police Act which states that “The Commissioner shall, subject to the general orders and directions of the Minister, have the command and superintendence of the Force, and he shall be responsible to the Minister for peace and good order throughout Guyana, for the efficient administration and government of the Force, and for the proper expenditure of all public moneys appropriated for the service thereof”.
The commissioner pointed out in the release that his constitutional responsibilities include “power to appoint, disciplinary control and removal from office of persons below the rank of Sergeant”.
These responsibilities under the Police Act, he added, give him day to day operational control of the Force.
“In discharge of my functions I have not been directed nor have I consulted political authorities in relation to the postings/transfers of members of the Force. I exercise my responsibilities to post ranks based on need, current ability and suitability. This has been the practice in the Force for many years”, Commissioner added.
Directly responding to the posting of the officers, he said that he did that in the best interest of the Force, adding that the entire matter is an internal one.
The Commissioner pointed out that he has no apologies to make for doing something he was designated to do and also has no responsibility to disclose to any political party the reason for posting/transfer providing it was done without prejudice, malice, ill will or bias.
Greene urged members of the Force to “take heed against stooping to any political influences” and discharging their duties with due diligence, neutrality, impartiality and professionalism.
