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.
Lef the man nuf! He time gon be up in August, hopefully. Corbin, you need to focus on keeping your party that is in disarray together before it falls apart.
Wonder who will be the next commissioner?
What is new in Guyana ?Why waste time and comment in GT all the opposition do is talk and more talk nothing can change.Whatever the Prez says that’s it.
lilcay if they smart the best choice is MR D. RAMNARINE………………
Why yo wait till now fuh sey suh??
Like he now wake up.
every police commissioner have to be faithfull towards the government of the day, but corbin wants the commissioner to be an opposition towards the govt.
no, the police should not be faithful to no govt, they are to protect and serve, not to buddy up to the govt, i don’t see that happening in any advanced country, only in guyana and the caribbean you find this nonsense.
The police in Guyana should uphold the Constitutional and Other Laws of the country and go after “corrupt” government officials (Gun-brandishing Ministers of the Government included); individuals involved in extra-judicial killings…. and bring them before the courts in Guyana.
Additionally, Re: “go after “corrupt” government officials…” Compromising (disclosing security officials), certain security operations…. and ending up in jail!
Just take a look at today’s Guyana Chronicle and ask the question why (in reading this article which in part states – Re: “CANU plans raids and has asked the Army for back-up because of what ranks of the unit and police may be up against with the new turn in the intensified cocaine networks probe…”
http://www.guyanachronicle.com/topstory.html#Anchor-Bi-8790
and if it was necessary for this information to be placed in the public domain prior to any operations to carried out by “CANU and the Joint Services in Guyana”???
Good luck on those “BACK TRACK” TRAILS!
Amen-ra in advanced country the city sate or government choose the top cop cause that how you have accountability, when something goes wrong it the government that is held accountable for that.
Re: “in advanced country the city sate or government choose the top cop cause that how you have accountability, when something goes wrong it the government that is held accountable for that…” Also, in advanced countries when corrupt top officials (as well as small fries) are caught breaking the laws of those countries they are tried in the courts and if found guilty they pay hefty fines or end up behind bars for long periods of time depending on the nature of the cases.
More frivolous objections to come so please stand by.Allegations can doom people other than Corbin(lmfao),For years he complained about the commissioner not being appointed,suddenly now there is problems with Greene and Merai.The old saying applies here “You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t”.
WHERE WAS CORBIN HIDING ALL THIS TIME, HE HAD TO KNOW THAT THIS APPOINTMENT WAS IMMINENT, IT JUST DID NOT “HAPPEN”, THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS ON THE TABLE FOR A LONG TIME AND IF HE HAD ANYTHING TO SAY, HE SHOULD HAVE VOICED HIS OPINION/ OPPOSITION BEFORE HAND. SAY GOODNIGHT CORBIN…..GO TO BED.
Corbin was the first man to critizise Jagdeo for not confirming Green as commissioner,( I think Corbin was expecting Jagdeo to say ‘ hey robert i want confirm Green to commissioner,wha you think?)I do not think Corbin knows exactly what is his position in Guyana, because he waited to hear what john public’s had to say on this issue first before he can make his his pronouncement.Green was confirmed since the 31st December 2008, now he wake up.
This is what you are suppose to be doing Mr Cobin as the opposition leader, challenging the frailty of the government, not looking for shared governance.
Corbin, get real!! You are not consulted because they do not recognise or have any respect for you as a leader. Face it you have not led the party, you are more interested in cutting challengers down, its all about saving your job and I must add that while you are busy doing this the government has been sneakig your’s and all Guyanese’ rights from right under your nose. So before you yell unconstitunal examine your role and begin to put back some respectability to this defragmented party. If this party has any decency and quality leadership they will begin to demand transparency and accounability from a government thats trampling the entire nation. You are a shining example of today’s RIP VAN WINKLE!!! Before I close this discussion: it is good that you recognise and yell about the evils of the people who are put in charge and it is good for you to yell from the rooftops BUT PLEASE DO SO IN A TIMELY MANNER and ensure you are heard!!!
PNCR leader Robert Corbin has called the appointment of new Police Commissioner Henry Greene “unconstitutional,” saying that he was not consulted by the President.
What did I say in previous blogs here?
PNCR wants to lead and will always act as leader.
Did I not say that the PNCR wants Government to get “PNCR aproval” for any and every thing Government does?????
PNCR was not “consulted” but yet the entire world knew that Greene would be appointed….
Mr.Corbin, I’m on your side with this one. Who cares if he is retiring in August, his appointment as the country’s top cop should’ve been subject to public debate. The Commissioner needs to explain to the people of GY why his visa was revoked by the US and give a better explanation than “I have never been involved in any drug activity with any drug lord and I maintain that position onto this day.”
Why only now, mr. corbin, are you just waking up from your slumber, i do agree with you on the promotion of steve merai to assistant commissioner,because he was taped allegedly shaking down known drug lord, and he should have been fully investigated, before taking that position.