Way cleared for Brumell’s confirmation as Top Cop

Oct 04, 2013 News

After acting as Commissioner of Police for close to two years, the way has finally been cleared for Leroy Brumell to be confirmed.
This development followed discussions between President Donald Ramotar and Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger yesterday afternoon.
A Partnership for National Unity in a brief statement said, “At the invitation of the President of Guyana Mr. Donald Ramotar, the Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David A. Granger met with the President at the Office of the President this (yesterday) afternoon. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the President’s nomination of

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

Leroy Brumell to be confirmed in the position of Commissioner of Police. The Opposition Leader did not express any opposition to the confirmation of Mr. Brumell.”
Brumell took over the helm of the Guyana Police Force in late 2011 when the now deceased Henry Greene was forced into administrative leave to defend himself against allegations of rape.
Brumell, along with Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, was elevated to Deputy Commissioner of Police in June last year.
However, Brumell may only serve less than a year as the substantive Top Cop since he is scheduled to proceed on retirement leave in 2014.
Many believe that news of Brumell’s imminent confirmation is the first step to end political manipulation of the Guyana Police Force.
Frustrated citizens have expressed that, “in order for any real progress to be achieved by the GPF, which has been striving in their endeavours to observe the letter of the law, there must be an end to the political influence over the Force.”
It is the view of those who spoke to this newspaper recently, that a Commissioner whose tenure of security is in limbo, is vulnerable.
Former Member of Parliament Aubrey Norton had stated previously that, “The Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and PPP are using his (Brumell) non-appointment as a sword of Damocles to make him vulnerable.”
“They are aware that when a person is close to retirement, they are afraid to lose their benefits and are therefore less likely to challenge the wrongs of the administration, and consequently, turn a blind eye to the wrongdoing of the political directorate.” Norton added.