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WIN demands top cop, fire chief resign over age, promotion bottlenecks
(Kaieteur News) – The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party is calling on President Irfaan Ali to take steps to ensure the immediate resignation of Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and acting Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, noting that both men have surpassed the retirement age and are limiting opportunities for other officers.
Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed of the WIN Party.
In a statement Friday, the party acknowledged that the law allows for extensions up to age 60, but stressed that the issue goes beyond legality.
“The real question is not legality, but fairness, transparency, and opportunity for ranks within the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Fire Service,” WIN said.
The party warned that what is unfolding within the Ministry of Home Affairs reflects a “dangerous pattern” that could undermine the integrity of the disciplined services.
According to the main opposition party, Commissioner Hicken reached the mandatory retirement age of 55 on July 22, 2023, but continues to serve through extensions granted by the government.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken.
“Why has this position not been properly regularised when there are capable, qualified officers within the force who have worked their entire careers in anticipation of upward mobility?” the party questioned.
WIN said a similar situation exists in the Guyana Fire Service, noting that acting Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, now 58, continues to serve on rolling contracts despite being beyond the retirement threshold.
“This is not a temporary measure; it has become a system. Promotions are stalled, morale is affected, and younger officers are left wondering if merit and service still matter,” the party said.
Chief Fire Officer (ag), Gregory Wickham.
WIN also raised concerns about leadership changes within the Guyana Prison Service, pointing to the removal of former Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels, who was sent on administrative leave and later reassigned, while Nicklon Elliot continues to act in the post.
“No clear explanation. No transparent transition. Just another instance where substantive leadership is quietly replaced and left unresolved,” WIN argued.
The party is now urging the president to appoint new leaders through meaningful consultation with the leader of the opposition.
Meanwhile, the government has previously defended the extension of Commissioner Hicken’s tenure. The Guyana Police Force’s Communications Unit has said the move reflects the president’s confidence in his leadership.
President Ali had also indicated in August 2023 that he intended for Hicken to remain in the post, confirming that an extension had been granted.
In July 2025, the high court ruled that Hicken’s appointment beyond the retirement age was lawful. The matter had been challenged by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Troy Garraway, but the state, through Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, successfully argued that the law permits extensions up to age 60 and does not prohibit confirmation after age 55.
As for Wickham, he has indicated a willingness to continue serving.
“Here I am serving, and as long as I’m called to serve, I will be offering that service,” he was quoted as saying in a recent media report.
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THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
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WIN party’s leader has high hopes that Irfan Ali will have “meaningful consultations” with him, prior to appointments or extensions. Be aware-
Azruddin- Irfan wants to stay 1000 feet away from you, no face to face.
Meanwhile, Irfan needs all the YES MEN in his clutches.
Just recently, Firemen at a fire site, have been accused of stealing a Computer,
whilst CFO, G. Wickham is in charge…anyone charged by the Police under
C Hicken ?