CANU Head fired; “There is need for…reconfiguration and restructuring”- Ramjattan

The Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has ordered that head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh to proceed on the remainder of his accumulated leave after which he would be given notice of his termination of employment.

Singh has been at the Unit for nine years.

Ramjattan said all benefits consequent thereupon would also be granted to him.

“In a scenario where very complex and difficult decisions have to be made, there is need for some amount of reconfiguration and restructuring,” the minister added.

A Commission of Inquiry headed by Mr. Bruce Lovell was established by President David Granger on March 31, to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the entry into, the interception, detention and subsequent release of an unnamed private maritime vessel in the sea space of the territory of Guyana. The Commission of Inquiry had also sought to determine the circumstances under which CANU received information, including the exact date and time of the receipt of such information concerning the vessel between 11 and 14th February 2017.

The report of the Commission was received on May 31. The report the commissioner said, looked at a number of systematic issues, doctrine, organisation, training, leadership, personnel, facilities and, of course, policies.

According to reports, the COI recommended the removal of James from the helm of the Unit.

Minister Ramjattan said the decision also was taken that this Unit will come under the soon to be established National Anti-Narcotics Authority (NANA).

However, he expressed hope to engage Singh on alternative placement options.