Dear Editor,
Allow me to offer my congratulations to Clifton Hicken on his preferment or rather appointment as Commissioner of Police with the Guyana Police Force.
I heard the President and others but for one who has been in public life since 1952 and the only one alive who participated in the Independence Conference in November 1965, I’m aware that the Conference spent some time to ensure that our Constitution was so framed to avoid the over politicisation of the Police Force.
This appointment seems unprecedented in the Commonwealth and I believe unconstitutional, the appointment of a person who has reached his retirement age raises a plethora of issues, which I believe will be of public concern.
The appointment suffocates the hope of those who look forward to heading our Police Force, an important Institution in our country and what the President and his Advisors have done is cast a vote of ‘no confidence’ in the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force.
Let me make it clear, this at this time, has nothing to do with the competence of Mr. Hicken but this act played out today, the 19th day of December is distressing at a time when many citizens are losing faith in the Guyana Police Force to fulfill its mandate of service and protection.
Once again, my dear friend Clifton, congratulations and best wishes.
Yours truly,
Hamilton Green
Elder