There is nothing suspicious about Blanhum going on leave – Public Security Minister

Sep 15, 2017 News

…Asst. Commissioner Paul Williams to act as Crime Chief
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, categorically stated yesterday that there is nothing

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

suspicious about Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum proceeding on leave.
Ramjattan sought to remove any confusion surrounding the matter yesterday at an Alliance for Change press conference held at his party’s headquarters. The Minister was asked to explain the reason behind a number of changes occurring in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Ramjattan said that Blanhum is a senior ranking officer in the GPF who is now entitled to approximately 148 days of leave. He said that Blanhum applied between May and June of this year to take a portion of his leave.
Ramjattan explained that Blanhum’s leave was approved but he could not proceed on it since he had to sit in his position for purposes of the Commission of Inquiry into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.
“All of that is now completed and of course he has now gone on leave.” Ramjattan said he had taken note of comments in the public that efforts are being made to get rid of Blanhum.
He said that this is not true. “Blanhum is a serious pillar in this police force. Whatever it is, understand that. He has done a fantastic job in the opinion of the government and in the opinion of the Minister.”
Ramjattan said that Blanhum was allowed to go on leave because he would not be able to do so later in the year especially around the Christmas period. “I need Blanhum back around Christmas time when of course there is always a shoot-up in crimes…he will take his leave as of now to around that November ending.”
Further, the Minister relayed that Blanhum going on leave creates a problem because his Deputy, Senior Superintendent Reshi Dass, said that he is not interested in acting as Crime Chief.
In addition, Dass has also fallen ill and is unable to function in the position. Ramjattan also said

Asst. Commissioner of Police and Acting Crime Chief, Paul Williams

that Dass, too, has accumulated a large amount of leave. However, the Public Security Minister said that he cannot have all his officers on leave at this point in time.
Moreover, the Minister said that Assistant Commissioner, Paul Williams, will act as Crime Chief. Ramjattan explaining the decision for Williams to act in the position, said that initially there was a recommendation for Senior Superintendent Rabindranauth Budhram to act in the position. However, he said that Budhram is needed in ‘F’ Division of which he is the Commander.
Ramjattan explained that Budhram needs to remain in ‘F’ Division to facilitate the sub-dividing of the Division into three separate divisions. The new Divisions will be Regions Two, Seven and Nine.
According to the Minister, Budhram has helped prepare the documentation for the process of creating the sub-divisions and since the process has begun to implement the change, the Senior Superintendent is needed to continue to process.
Further, he said that there are a number of issues in ‘F’ Division that the Commander is needed to investigate. Among those issues are the mystery airplane and Venezuelans coming over the border for medical treatment.
Ramjattan said that there is the rehabilitation of Police Stations ongoing in and around the ‘F’ Division area and since this begun under Budhram’s stewardship, he is needed to supervise the works.
Ramjattan reiterated that despite the suspicions and rumour mongering taking place that there is a massive reconfiguration of the Police Force, this is not the case.
He said that the changes are about strengthening and also ensuring that there is continuity in the GPF. He said that with Williams acting as Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Linden Alves will act in Williams’ position as Commander of ‘B’ Division. Taking up Alves’ position will be Senior Superintendent Whitney Bacchus.
Ramjattan clarified that Commander Budhram was never given the posting of Acting Crime Chief. He said that Budhram’s posting to the position was never granted and that proposals were made by senior leadership of the Police Force.
The Minister explained that Williams is just as qualified and he is the holder of a Law Degree. It was recommended that he takes up the post until Blanhum returns from his leave.