The Guyana Police Force today said that the removal of the police chaplain Pastor Patrick Doolichand has been rescinded.
A release from the police force follows:
Media Release On Chaplain’s Appointment
The appointment of Pastor Patrick Doolichand as the Chaplain of the Guyana Police Force which was revoked earlier today Wednesday March 10, 2021 – as posted on social media – has been reviewed and the revocation letter has been immediately withdrawn.
The Commissioner of Police (ag) Mr. Nigel Hoppie, DSM, has communicated with Pastor Doolichand and he has consented to continue serving in the capacity as Chaplain of the Guyana Police Force.
Further – contrary to what was stated in the revocation letter – His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has indicated that he appreciated the eloquent and forthright prayer by Force Chaplain Pastor Doolichand at the Annual Police Officers’ Conference and that he never had any issue with it.
The original story
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Reverend Eric Bassant has replaced Reverend Patrick Doolichand as the Guyana Police Force Chaplain effective from Tuesday, March 9th after the latter confessed the “sins” of the force at the recent annual officers’ conference.
The GPF confirmed Reverend Bassant’s appointment in a brief press statement yesterday afternoon.
“Please be apprised that Reverend Eric Bassant, former Assistant Commissioner has been appointed as the Guyana Police Force Chaplain and Coordinator of the COPS and Faith Community Network effective March 9, 2021,” the statement said.
As such, it added that Reverend Patrick Doolichand’s appointment as Force Chaplain was revoked effective from yesterday.
The police did not provide a reason for the sudden change.
However, the move came days after Reverend Doolichand delivered a more than five-minute- long prayer at the Opening Ceremony of the GPF Annual Officers’ conference which was held last Thursday at the National Cultural Centre.
During his prayer, Reverend Doolichand described the force as “fragmented”. He also “confessed” to its involvement in issues such as corruption, bribery, racism and injustice.
“…….This day we lift the Guyana Police Force before you. And Father today if we are honest, we are elated to say that this force is haemorrhaging right now. We stand in the gap and we confess the sins of this noble organisation. We confess every spirit of racism in this organisation, we confess the spirit of corruption and bribery, we confess the spirit of injustice and we declare oh God even now, above all, we confess the disunity and we pray oh God right now that this force is so fragmented that unless you help this force, this force will continue to be in trouble,” Reverend Doolichand prayed.
“….The words of Jesus declare that if any kingdom that is divided cannot stand. ….Any house that is divided will fall, any institution, the Guyana Police Force is no exception and if there is not unity and togetherness in this force, they will continue to face major issues,” he further stated.
