Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is not in agreement with Paul Slowe being elected to serve as Head of the Police Service Commission on the grounds that he was an active member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) election campaign along with the fact that he was appointed by President David Granger to head a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into an alleged assassination plot against him.
Jagdeo has since informed President David Granger of his reservations at a meeting the two had on Thursday at State House to discuss Slowe and other nominees for that Commission and the Public Service Commission.
The Opposition Leader believes that Slowe, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police, has too many “baggage” to head such an important commission which is responsible for disciplining and promoting police officers.
“I believe that his conduct in the COI reinforces the partisan nature of his thinking and now that he’s going to head the PSC.
“I think he will bring two sets of baggage with him; the political approach to job – judging people on the basis of politics – and secondly, he has a lot of interpersonal problems with many members of the Police Force and old scores, I believe to settle, and therefore that could harm his judgement,” Jagdeo told reporters at a news conference following his meeting with the Head of State.
He said President Granger has committed to speaking with Slowe about these concerns to ensure that he [Slowe] acts impartially in executing his duties after being sworn in.
The President is required by the Constitution to consult with the Opposition Leader before swearing in the nominees.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was also at the meeting, made it clear that the Constitution does not require the “agreement” of the Opposition Leader in selecting the nominee for the post.
The other persons recommended to serve on the Police Service Commission are Clinton Conway and retired Woman Assistant Commissioners Vesta Adams and Claire Jarvis.
The nominees for the Public Service Commission are Vibert Bowman and Mortimer Livan.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader described the meeting as “cordial” and noted that President Granger offered to lead discussions with the PPP in the areas of crime, environment and oil and gas.
According to Jagdeo, he will discuss this proposal with the Executive of his Party before a decision is made.
