PNCR again making moves to stifle Hicken’s upward mobility

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) –the main opposition political party — has signalled its intention to challenge the High Court’s ruling which upheld President Dr Irfaan Ali’s decision to appoint Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken as the country’s Acting Police Commissioner.

The party through its Chief Whip Christopher Jones filed an action in the High Court several months back, challenging the legality of Hicken’s appointment as Acting Top Cop back in March.

The appointment was challenged on the grounds that the President violated the Constitution when he failed to “meaningfully consult” with the Opposition Leader.

On Thursday, Chief Justice Roxanne George ruled that the appointment of Hicken was lawful and constitutional.

In a statement on Friday morning, Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Roysdale A. Forde S.C. disclosed that the party will be filing an appeal as it seeks to continue its campaign to stifle the upward mobility of Hicken.

Forde said the ruling is “cause for great concern and it is regrettable.”

The Acting Chief Justice ruled that the appointment was well within the ambit of the Constitution of Guyana noting that the office of the Opposition Leader became vacant and therefore, there was no one with whom the President could consult.

Forde in his press statement said “the impact of this Judgment is too grave for it to be left standing. In the circumstances, an Appeal will be filed to set aside this decision.”

The PNCR led APNU Government of David Grander in 2018, sidelined Clifton Hicken when they promoted five junior officers to him, four as Deputy Commissioners and one as Commissioner of Police.