LAST week, we heard that the Police Service Commission promoted several supervisory officers following a court case it had won defending the said promotions.
Soon after, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, stated that the promotions were not legal since President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had suspended the Commission. He said the Commissioners were now facing a tribunal to be appointed soon. He also said the police promotions were not finalised before the court ruling and move by President Ali.

On the other hand, the Chairman of PSC, Paul Slowe, is holding fast to his position that the Commission must continue the work it started after it won the challenge against the promotions. He argued that the suspension issued by President Ali was without legal standing and went against all the rights of natural justice. He maintained that there was neither a tribunal established nor due process followed before the decision.

Lastly, the Attorney-General followed up by stating that nothing in court judgment halts Dr. Ali’s decision to suspend the Commission. The Attorney-General noted that the tribunal would hold hearings after the government consults with the Judicial Services Commission that is non-functional since 2017. He maintained that everything was legal.
It is a fact that the Chairman of the PSC, Paul Slowe, is facing charges along with several senior members of the Guyana Police Force for alleged conspiracy to defraud the said body of $10M. Slowe also faces the allegation of sexual assault of a rank of the Police Force.

Firstly, there is a battle for the soul of the Police Force taking place right before our eyes. The government rightfully wants to have matters handled justly and fairly without the workings of the opposition cloak of invisibility guiding the Commission.
That aside, how can the Commission argue that it is unbiased when it chose to join a litigation suit against the government filed by a parliamentarian of the APNU+AFC coalition? There are prominent politicians, parliamentarians, and legal authors who are representing his case.

Secondly, the Commission should resign now. It is the right thing to do. Paul Slowe, more than anyone, should be the first one to go. He should turn his attention to many allegations and court cases that he has before the judicial system.
The issue with the PSC would be resolved by government, unless and until another court action. The government understandingly wants what is best for the police force. It is making sure that there is fairness and transparency. Assumingly, it wants to maintain law and order and good policing in the country. That will only occur if the PSC, its Chairman, and the government are on the same page. It cannot be by fighting the process, the presidential order, and the government.

Consequently, our society cannot exist without law. It a common saying that, without law, men are beasts. It goes to reason that if you want to observe the Constitution, law, and order and generally to do the right thing, then you must be respectful, obedient, lawful, and dutiful.