The removal by the police on Wednesday of their chaplain, Reverend Patrick Doolichand over a prayer he delivered was swiftly reversed after the intervention of President Irfaan Ali.
In the embarrassing climbdown, the Guyana Police Force also clarified that President Ali had not complained about the payer as had been alleged in the dismissal letter given to Doolichand.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Doolichand said that after the news of the appointment being revoked circulated, Ali, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reached out to him and informed him that he was still the force’s Chaplain.
Stabroek News understands that the force’s decision was withdrawn after Ali informed Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie that he had no issue with the prayer but rather liked it and Doolichand should remain the force Chaplain.
Doolichand accepted the offer.
“I think the matter has been resolved…..the President intervened,” Doolichand said.
The GPF on Wednesday suddenly announced that Doolichand would be replaced by former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Reverend Eric Bassant.
The move came days after Reverend Doolichand confessed the “sins” of the force at the recent annual officers’ conference during a prayer.
During his prayer, 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,” 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 prayed.
Hours after his summary removal on Wednesday, the force stated that the decision to revoke Doolichand’s appointment had been “reviewed” and “withdrawn”.
“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 force said.
According to the statement, Hoppie communicated with Doolichand and he has consented to continue serving in the capacity as Chaplain of the 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 force added.
Doolichand related that he “obviously” had a responsibility to address the issues mentioned in his prayer.
In its letter informing Doolichand that his appointment would be revoked, the GPF cited that he was being probed for an alleged financial crime and that his prayer “precipitated” Ali, Government ministers and other distinguished guests “to express utter disgust at such repugnant, fallacious and inappropriate utterances” at the “dignified” and “professional” activity.
However, Doolichand said the police claim of him being investigated for an alleged financial crime was a “shock”.
“No that’s a total lie….At no time, let me get this very clear. At no time I had any investigation. That came as a shock,” he said.
Doolichand told Stabroek News that he has been affiliated with the GPF since in the 1990’s. He said several years ago, he assumed the role of the force Chaplain.
He said he volunteered his service and at no point ever accepted any monetary payment from the force.
“I am not being paid. I refuse to take money,” Doolichand stated.
