Deputy Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, will be appointed Com-missioner of Police with effect from February 16.
Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj made this announcement yesterday at his ministry.
Felix has been commissioner-in-waiting for more than one year as the process to conclude his appointment stalled because of the absence of a Police Service Commission. The members of the commission were sworn in earlier this month with Ivan Crandon as chairman.
Yesterday Gajraj reminded that in 2002, President Bharrat Jagdeo consulted with the late leader of the opposition PNC/R, Desmond Hoyte, on the appointment of Felix as the next commissioner.
He said the delay in appointing the service commissions was caused by the opposition's withdrawal from the parliamentary process.
He said earlier this week the president consulted with Crandon on the nominee for the commissioner of police.
The minister, at the centre of a storm over death squad allegations, said he met outgoing commissioner of police (acting), Floyd Mc Donald and the incoming commissioner, "and they have assured me that all arrangements will be in place for a smooth transfer by February 16, 2004."
The minister said he is confident that the new commissioner will execute his responsibilities in accordance with the expectations of ranks of the police force, the public and the constitution of Guyana.
On Wednesday Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon had announced that the president had invited PNCR Leader Robert Corbin to conclude consultations on implementing the remaining constitutional provisions to facilitate the appointment of Felix as well as deputy commissioners.
However, in a press release, the PNCR had said Luncheon's statement was not correct; adding that in a letter dated January 27 the President invited Corbin to consult only on recommendations for the appointment of deputy commissioners.
McDonald, who is past the retirement age of 55 was appointed acting commissioner of police on September 5, 2001. His tenure has not been an easy one as the country experienced one of the worst crime eruptions in its history following the February 23, 2002 jailbreak. McDonald has faced criticism from all sections, as he appeared to be ill-equipped to deal with the crime that gripped the nation.
The 52-year-old Felix has spent some 34 years in the police force and has been a deputy commissioner since 2000. He joined the force as a constable, was later appointed corporal, sergeant and police prosecutor. He also had overseas training in England, the United States and Canada.
Before being appointed deputy commissioner he was assistant commissioner administration, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Head of the Presidential Guard, commander of Berbice and Essequibo, sub-divisional officer in the interior and Officer in Charge of the Tactical Service Unit (TSU).
Felix is married with two children and is pursuing studies in law at the University of Guyana.
Minister Gajraj, after reading the short statement, hurriedly left the conference room leaving high and dry members of the media who wanted to ask him questions about the allegations swirling about him.