Dear Editor
A few days ago i read with much interest an article in the social media written by one of the public relations officers of the Top Cop, Clifton Hicken. The missive stated police constable Telon Pierreira who was wounded at State House by a Nigerian National was promoted to corporal for his bravery and courage by the President and Commissioner of Police.
There were several photographs attached including one showing the President pinning a corporal stripe on the pajamas of the rank as he lay on his bed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. On December 25, 2022 several local media outlets carried similar articles.
The Guyana Chronicle screamed, “President Ali promotes guard injured in State House attack.” Kaieteur News posited, “Presidential Guard stabbed in State House promoted.” Sunday Stabroek reported.” President promotes guard wounded in State House attack.” Sunday Times informed. “Presidential Guard stabbed 5 times promoted.” The police have not debunked any of the above mentioned reports. In fact, the police have yet to inform the public in clear detail what exactly took place between the Nigerian and the police at State House. This wall of silence has resulted in too many conspiracy theories.
Editor, please permit me to be pellucid and put things in proper context. The President has no authority to promote a constable to corporal. It is the sole domain of the Commissioner of Police to promote lance corporals, corporals and sergeants. Article 212 (1) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana gives the Police Service Commission the power to promote members of the GPF from the rank of inspector to assistant commissioner. Article 211 (1) states that the President shall appoint every Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairperson of the Police Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with other members of the Commission. The same principle applies to the appointment of an Acting Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
What took place at the hospital is another example of the police High Command misleading or giving the President improper advice, or is it another case of political interference in the Guyana Police Force. It is not tradition to put on a corporal stripe or any other badge of rank on someone in civilian clothing, more so, a rank dressed in his pajamas lying on his hospital bed. Wow! Stripes and other badges of rank are traditionally placed on the uniform of ranks and not on civilian clothing. Let us not go against excellent and well established law enforcement traditions. May God help the Guyana Police Force.
Sincerely,
Clinton Conway
