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.
Corbin vex because Green’s pull string on lil too tight.
In my opinion, Green is more dedicated to his work, at least more than the previous top cop. During the Winson Felix era more
cops died in the line of duty and there weren’t not too many success with wanted men either. Corbin didn’t seem to mind these happenings.
Remember those recorded phone call allegations between Winson Felix and PNCR members. Those tapes were sent out to get authenticated; what ever happened to them?
This is why the PNC should be disbanded now.
Look who is crowing. One whose government was totally unconstitutional.And which he served with glee. He is obviously speahking to the deaf.This man is shifting a pond from one place to another and falling into it.
Re: “Look who is crowing. One whose government was totally unconstitutional…”
Re: ” Burnham and the PNC won the December 1964 election. With the pro-American leader in power, the United States, with British approval, provided assistance to Burnham, his party, his political allies in the United Front party, the police, the unions, and on the country as a whole. (403, 405, 423, 433) Presidential Special Assistant for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Consul General (later Ambassador) Carlson, and the small group of officers in the Department of State and the CIA formed a management group determined to keep Jagan out of power. With Burnham in office and in control, they encouraged the British to grant independence sooner rather than later. (411) After independence was granted by the British in May 1966, the country took the name of Guyana. The United States supplied economic assistance for road building and other development projects, and it also provided food assistance. When political disputes and personal animosity between Burnham and Peter D’Aguiar of the United Front threatened the anti-Jagan front, U.S. officials worked to keep the two parties allied and the government together until the last days of 1968. (407) The United States again provided financial support and electoral expertise to get Burnham reelected in 1968. (419) Burnham met with President Johnson and other U.S. Government officials several times during this period after formal independence in May 1966. (420, 426)
Even though East Indians became the majority group in the country and despite friction between Burnham and other members of his coalition, the PNC won the elections in December 1968 and Burnham was returned as Prime Minister. Part of Burnham’s success was based on the use of absentee overseas Guyanese voters, a plan of which the United States was aware and did not oppose. (419, 421, 422)”
http://www.guyana.org/govt/US-declassifed-documents-1964-1968.html
Well, not so long ago… the stories were: was it an “HANGING CHAD”; or, were there WMDs; and, decisions and determinations wer made. So, it is more or less – “Lil finger point to de big thumb and sey nah guh” (deh)!.
Hey All UUU.
Mr Corbin has a valid comment. He is? willing to point out which article, or sub article etc is in question. This a is a
most serious allegation which the DPP should? investigate, nunc. Have fun u all.
SWAT. Ask the US Ambassador.
Regards