CoI on plot allegation urges Top Cop’s removal

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud’s ability to continue to act in his position has “become untenable” and he should be made to resign under terms considered appropriate by President David Granger, or if he fails to do so, be removed for misbehaviour, according to the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the police force’s handling of an alleged plot to kill the president.

Furthermore, the report, which was laid in the National Assembly yesterday, recommended that the officers that played a key role in the investigation be reassigned, possibly to positions outside of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) based on their conduct during the investigation. This includes Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken and acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who the report stated “lack the professionalism to lead the Guyana Police Force.”

Although the report has been due to be discussed at Cabinet, there has been no word from the government on how it would treat the recommendations, which were leaked to the state newspaper in August. However, the findings are believed to be the reason for President Granger’s contentious directive to the Police Service Commission to stay its consideration of promotions. Blanhum and Hicken were among those recommended for promotion. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has publicly stated that the government is happy with Blanhum’s performance, notwithstanding the criticisms of him in the report.