PNCR leader Robert Corbin has called the appointment of new Police Commissioner Henry Greene “unconstitutional,” saying that he was not consulted by the President.
President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed Greene as substantive commissioner at the end of last year. At the time, Greene had served in an acting capacity for two years.
At a news conference yesterday, the main opposition PNCR, however, flagged the appointment as an example of “yet another flagrant breach of the Constitution” by the head of state. Corbin likened the appointment to that of the Integrity Commission as well as the extension of the life of the Ethnic Relations Commission, saying it was a breach of the fundamental law of the country as it required consultation between him and the president. “The people of Guyana ought to know that the appointment is in breach of the constitution,” he said.
He reminded that there were “certain concerns in the public mind” about Greene and he said consultation would have provided the opportunity for clarifications to be given. “So that any cloud hanging over anyone would have been cleared and put one in a better position to know whether one supports the appointee or not,” he added.
Corbin was referring to allegations made by the United States that Greene had benefited materially from the drugs trade. It was on this basis in 2006 that the US revoked Greene’s diplomatic visa and a visitor’s visa as well. However, Greene categorically denied the allegations and he stood by his initial statement on the issue at his confirmation. “I have never been involved in any drug activity with any drug lord and I maintain that position onto this day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Corbin ruled out mounting a legal challenge to the appointment. He recalled that in 2005 he had filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the appointment of the Integrity Commission and noted that it has still to be heard. “When one looks at that… [and] when one looks at the time that the commissioner has before retiring, it might also be an exercise in futility.”
The PNCR yesterday also expressed displeasure with the appointment of Steve Merai as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, citing a notorious record of service that included allegations about his involvement in several extra judicial killings as well as an alleged link to drug traffickers. Corbin noted that there has still been no investigation or inquiry held to clear the air about the serious allegations. “In such circumstances it is outrageous that the police service commission could sanction such a promotion,” he noted, adding that the public deserves an explanation in light of the precarious state of national security.
