Brumell’s retirement to be denied; celebrates 55th birthday tomorrow

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell will attain retirement age (55 years) tomorrow, Saturday February 8, but according to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee there has been no discussions yet at the administrative level on who will replace the Top Cop.

Rohee did hint however that Brumell’s retirement will be denied until further notice.

“We haven’t started looking at that yet because there are so many other priority issues; it is certainly not at the top of our agenda, what we do know is that the work is ongoing and have to ensure that the various activities being conducted are not interrupted.”

The Minister in an exclusive interview with iNews further stated “we will address that at the appropriate time and we all know his retirement date can be denied … at this time the focus is to get the work done.”

The Commissioner when approached by iNews on  Friday (February 7) opted not to comment but would only say that a definite position from the responsible authorities on whether he will be retained and/or plans for filling the post otherwise will be made public at the appropriate time.

In January, Brumell had told iNews in an invited comment, “When my time comes I will go.”

Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner Seelall Persaud is believed to be next in line for the position.

It was reported in one section of the media that both President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger is opposed to a public application process for the filling of the position.

Granger had reportedly advised that Brumell leaves when his time comes. When questioned on the issue at a press conference today, the Opposition Leader said that he does not have a nominee to fill the Top Cop post as yet.

According to Granger, the Opposition is not required to nominate anyone for the post as it is solely a matter for President Ramotar, who only has to consult with the majority opposition.

When asked if he [Granger] supports Seelall for the post, the Opposition Leader said, “It is too soon to say.”

Brumell was sworn in as the 30th Police Commission in October 2013 after acting in the post for approximately two years, following the resignation of the late Henry Green. He joined the Force some 36 years.

His retirement comes at a time when the Force is undergoing what is commonly being referred to as a modernization process.