HOURS after his appointment was revoked, the Guyana Police Force Chaplain and Coordinator of the COPS and Faith Community Network, Pastor Patrick Doolichand, was reinstated.

The force, on Wednesday afternoon, issued a brief statement in which it was announced that Reverend Eric Bassant, former Assistant Commissioner, has been appointed Force Chaplain. That appointment took effect on March 9, 2021.

“As such, Reverend Patrick Doolichand appointment as Force Chaplain was revoked effective today March 10, 2021,” the statement said without providing any further details.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Doolichand was handed the marching ordered after making offensive comments in his prayer delivery during the recent Annual Police Officers’ Conference. The letter to Doolichand read “the prayer segment of the precipitated His Excellency, Ministers of Government and other distinguished guests to express utter disgust at such repugnant, fallacious and inappropriate utterances at this dignified and professional activity.”

However, hours later, the Police Force issued a second statement in which it indicated that its earlier decision has been reversed and that Pastor Doolichand had been reinstated.

“The appointment of Pastor Patrick Doolichand as the Chaplain of the Guyana Police Force which was revoked earlier today Wednesday March 10, 2021 – as posted on social media – has been reviewed and the revocation letter has been immediately withdrawn.”

It stated that the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, has communicated with Pastor Doolichand and he has consented to continue serving in the capacity as Chaplain of the Guyana Police Force.

“Further – contrary to what was stated in the revocation letter – His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has indicated that he appreciated the eloquent and forthright prayer by Force Chaplain Pastor Doolichand at the Annual Police Officers’ Conference and that he never had any issue with it,” the statement added.