ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police (ACP) David Ramnarine, who was overlooked for the position of commissioner of police, is still on annualised leave and was granted an extension based on his request to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.

This was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Leslie James on Friday during a news conference. “He is expected to resume this year; I cannot recall the specific date,” the commissioner said. Ramnarine, 49, proceeded on annualised vacation leave from September last after he had congratulated the new leadership of the Guyana Police Force.
He turns 50 this June at which time he would be eligible for early retirement in accordance with Public Service rules. President David Granger had said that he can justify his appointment of James, while overlooking Ramnarine who had acted in that capacity for several months.

The Head of State had noted that the selection of the commissioner of police is governed by the constitution and every stage is mandated. He explained that the Police Service Commission (PSC) and its chairman had to be consulted and after deliberations, recommendations were put forward and after careful assessment and examination, a final decision was made.

James was appointed as the 12th commissioner of police. He is supported by four deputy commissioners, namely Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams. The four deputies are responsible for operations, administration, law enforcement and special branch/ intelligence.

The President said that the appointments pave the way for the force to be more efficiently managed, including having a system of succession planning, notably training others in preparation for high office. The Head of State noted that security of the state and the safety of the Guyanese people rest on the police force and the officers who command it.