By Leroy Smith
Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, who is performing the duties of Commissioner of Police this morning offered “no comment” when questioned if the management of the Police ‘A’ and ‘C’ Divisions would return to normalcy, when the senior officers return from annual leave vacation.
At the moment, Hicken, who is the Assistant Commissioner of Police and substantive ‘A’ Division Commander is on leave and is slated to return in the new week.
His Division is being manned by Assistant Commissioner of Police and ‘C’ Division Commander Marlon Chapman.
The question was put to the Acting Top Cop following other temporary reshuffling within the Police Force over the weekend.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and ‘B’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam has proceeded on annual leave and his division is now being supervised by Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis, the substantial commander of ‘G’ Division.
With immediate effect, Superintendent Khali Pareshram, who is stationed at the Brickdam Police Station, was sent to the ‘G’ Division in the absence of Adonis.
Today Ramnarine confirmed that the movements of Pareshram and Adonis are temporary. He however, refused to comment on whether Hicken would return to ‘A’ Division.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan confirmed that the officers were instructed to proceed on their leave, a move which was supported by cabinet.
He explained that his argument was that the state does not have the money to pay the officers for being on the job and not taking their leave. Added to that, Ramjattan told the news Room that it was necessary in an effort to allow the succession plan of the Police Force to kick in for testing.
The Minister explained that where there are cases of senior officers not taking their leave, it makes it impossible for the ranks working under them to have any exposure and experience of supervising divisions and branches, noting that when the seniors do head into retirement, the Force is left with new senior officers, with limited experience.
Minister Ramjattan also explained that senior officers have indicated to him that the previous Administration refused to allow them to take their annual leave in full.
Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum are among those on leave.
