President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday said acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene would be appointed to the substantive post before the end of the year.

Jagdeo told reporters that he hoped to meet soon with Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin, in order to complete the constitutional consultations that are a prerequisite for the appointment. The constitution provides for meaningful consultation on the appointment, but the President does not need the agreement of the Opposition Leader.

Jagdeo, who had previously deemed the consultations complete after his initial meeting with Corbin earlier this year, said he told Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon to set up another meeting to go through the formality. He said the appointment would be made before Christmas. Greene has been in an acting capacity since July 2006.

Jagdeo named Greene as his choice for Commissioner based on the recommendations of an exploratory committee. Greene, however, will be due for retirement next year.