Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, Thursday announced his intent to challenge the appointment of Clifton Hicken as substantive Commissioner of Police because it is “unlawful.” He communicated the intent to file a court case in the coming week.
Yesterday, President Irfaan Ali swore in Hicken as Guyana’s Top Cop, along with deputies. Hicken turned 55 years old on July 22, 2023.
Members of the Guyana Police Force, consistent with the Public Service Rules, retire at age 55-years, and Norton is contending that given Hicken has passed the retirement age he should not be confirmed.
A senior police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Village Voice News were Hicken appointed substantive commissioner prior to age 55, his tenure could have been extended.
The senior officer further said President Ali’s action is dictatorial and reflects a government prepared to do anything to contravene the Constitution and Laws of Guyana. These actions the officer believe are undermining the Force’s legitimacy and relationship with the public in crime fighting.
Norton said the confirmation of Hicken past the established age of retirement is a violation of the consultative process as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.
Accusing the government of lawlessness, the Opposition Leader said Hicken is “neither certified [nor] qualified to be commissioner” and the government is appointing questionable characters to high office.
According to him the Force is manifestly corrupt, being politicized, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government is repaying Hicken for things he has done and wanting to ensure he receives benefits were he the substantive holder of the office.
Last September Ali wrote Norton expressing his view why Hicken should be substantively appointed to the post. Norton countered stating he “cannot support the appointment of a Commissioner of Police at this stage. Several allegations have been leveled against Mr. Hicken over the years.” He also called for an investigation into the allegations of corruption in the Force.
The Opposition Leader said he does not consider the President has engaged in consultation as required by the constitution. The Government is contending Hicken’s appointment is lawful and in accordance with Article 211 of the Constitution of Guyana and in due compliance Chapter 27:12- Constitution (Prescribed Matters) (Guyana).
Article 211(2) of the Constitution requires the President to consult with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairperson of the Police Service Commission after that person has consulted with the other members of the Commission.
Expressly, Article 211(2) states: “The Commissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairperson of the Police Service Commission, after the Chairperson has consulted with the other members of the Commission.”