PNCR leader Robert Corbin has called the appointment of new Police Commissioner Henry Greene “unconstitutional,” saying that he was not consulted by the President.
President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed Greene as substantive commissioner at the end of last year. At the time, Greene had served in an acting capacity for two years.
At a news conference yesterday, the main opposition PNCR, however, flagged the appointment as an example of “yet another flagrant breach of the Constitution” by the head of state. Corbin likened the appointment to that of the Integrity Commission as well as the extension of the life of the Ethnic Relations Commission, saying it was a breach of the fundamental law of the country as it required consultation between him and the president. “The people of Guyana ought to know that the appointment is in breach of the constitution,” he said.
Henry Greene
He reminded that there were “certain concerns in the public mind” about Greene and he said consultation would have provided the opportunity for clarifications to be given. “So that any cloud hanging over anyone would have been cleared and put one in a better position to know whether one supports the appointee or not,” he added.
Corbin was referring to allegations made by the United States that Greene had benefited materially from the drugs trade. It was on this basis in 2006 that the US revoked Greene’s diplomatic visa and a visitor’s visa as well. However, Greene categorically denied the allegations and he stood by his initial statement on the issue at his confirmation. “I have never been involved in any drug activity with any drug lord and I maintain that position onto this day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Corbin ruled out mounting a legal challenge to the appointment. He recalled that in 2005 he had filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the appointment of the Integrity Commission and noted that it has still to be heard. “When one looks at that… [and] when one looks at the time that the commissioner has before retiring, it might also be an exercise in futility.”
The PNCR yesterday also expressed displeasure with the appointment of Steve Merai as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, citing a notorious record of service that included allegations about his involvement in several extra judicial killings as well as an alleged link to drug traffickers. Corbin noted that there has still been no investigation or inquiry held to clear the air about the serious allegations. “In such circumstances it is outrageous that the police service commission could sanction such a promotion,” he noted, adding that the public deserves an explanation in light of the precarious state of national security.
Mr. Corbin, Mr. Corbin, why do you play “ah got you politics”. That is infantile. You knew that Mr. Greene was in line to be appointed Commissioner, why not raise the issue of consultation before the appointment? Docility. PNC: Peoples National Congress. No, PNC: Peoples National Chaos. I SNM
I agree with you he focusing on de wrong thing.
Because The President and Mr. Corbin formally agreed to consult on any such appointment at the exclusion of the other parties.
The time left for Mr. Greene to retire is no excuse for not mounting a legal challenge since from my understanding of the law as long he is confirm as commissioner his tenure can be extended by the president a case in point was Commissioner Lewis. Therefore a successful challenge will prevent the people of Guyana from being saddled with a Commissioner of Police whose integrity has been questioned.
BEVON YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WITH SOME SENSE HERE
So WHAT can you do or are you doing about it? NOTHING!!! Just shut up & leave the PNC-R-1G (& how many letters & numbers have been added) to be run by competent people with integrity & potential. Give Alexander & his team what they deserve. You are currently being nothing but a toothless bulldog. You have no bark, your bite is dead & you can only drink soup.
I agree with the appointment , if Mr Corbin had any issue with this he should have brought this up before and also there is need for a Police Commissioner NOT AN ACTING COMMISSIONER THERE ARE TOO MANY ACTORS IN GT ALREADY .
Nonsense. If the President wait on Mr Corbin for consultation, no one will be appointed. Mr Corbin is pure negativity.
Corbin, you are no fit leader, you have been outmanuvered by Jagdeo on all fronts. You got consultation when you connive with him on the recall bill….you were bad minded to you comrades and sold out parliamentary democracy at the alter of your self interest. Jagdeo has no respect for you.
Unconstitutional was the burnamite government you served, so don’t try to belittle others.
Corbin always full of crap , Ulriic u are so right he like play’Ah got you politics’ apparently he likes the sound of his own voice or he likes attention.
I have long accepted that the gorernment do whatever they like but it was blatant disrespect to us Guyanese to even consider Merai, well as for the movie star we can only speculate let us give him a chance to work in the intrest of the people or drink more soup. lol
As for the PNC – lord have mercy – they are simply a waste of time!!
Mr Corbin were you out of the Country ? That is the problem i have with you and the PNC, with the gate wide open you just stand by de fence and bark, as de crooks get closer to de open gate.
Some people watch things happen, some people make things happen and some people ask what the hell just happen. Mr Corbin you are in the last group.
wasn’t steve merai the person allegedly caught on tape shaking down a drug trafficker? is this his punishment? thank god the us hold bernard kerick for then the entire top echelon of the force would have had something tainted hanging over their heads.