Police Force to undergo major reshuffling

Apr 05, 2014 News

With Mr. Seelall Persaud as the new Commissioner of Police, a major reshuffling of the Guyana Police Force is also set to take place. However, the level of improvement that will be had from the major changes remains an issue of much concern for some ranking officers.
Persaud moved into his office on Tuesday last. And the approximately 62 major changes are expected to be effective come April 8.
Just recently, a farewell parade was held for ‘A’ Division Commander, George Vyphuis, who is on his pre-retirement leave and is set to demit office in July.

New Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

But those members of the force who are expected to be part of the adjustments have already expressed concerns over the changes.
Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken who held the post of Commander of the ‘D’ Division will now replace Vyphuis as the Commander of ‘A’ Division.
Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam is slated to take over as Commander of ‘D’ Division.
Additionally, taking up the position of Crime Chief which was held by Persaud, is Senior Superintendent Leslie James. James was head of the Special Branch Unit.
Assuming James’s previously held post will be Winston Cosbert who served as Deputy Crime Chief to Persaud.
Superintendent Errol Watts will be the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Service Unit. He was third in Command at ‘A’ Division. Deputy Superintendent Edmond Cooper will be retained as Court Superintendent due to his “notable work and dedication in that position.”
While members of the administration under the new Top Cop remain tight-lipped over the reasons for the major shuffle in the force, some ranking offers expressed their uneasiness about the changes.
The new Top Cop has a different way of doing things, they would say. Some senior officers expressed worry whilst others expressed a clear confidence in Persaud’s ability to see that the force is transformed for the better.
“I am a bit concerned over the situation. I believe it is all political. When I look at some of the persons who were moved to ‘A’ Division and those who were moved out, some of the moves signal mistrust. Others say that Persaud means business and he may have some serious plans to ensure that things go differently under him,” one senior officer expressed.
“Persaud is going to bring something fresh to the table and trust me, the shakeup is just the beginning. I know that Persaud has a disciplined and a professional way of doing things. I worked with him and I can assure you that he is going to set the bar high and set himself apart”.
“I know that he will help us restore the people’s confidence in the force and he will lead by example. I have faith that he will lead us to success. If there is anything to worry about it would have to be how Persaud will deal with his new Commanders that have little experience in those areas. His management experience will be put to a test. “ said one Senior Superintendent.
But, one Superintendent is very worried about the changes. He said, “Everything has implications. I don’t want to say too much but if you are shuffling the pack you have to ensure you pick a group with competence first, and then shuffle.
“Shuffling a pack that raises questions of competence and people who are not experienced to handle certain positions immediately raises questions of what really is your plan for your force but let’s see what difference will be made with these new changes.”