Pres. Ali bats for Joint Services as Min. Benn offends

“I support every Guyanese expressing themselves” That’s what President Irfaan Ali is quoted in another section of the press saying in response to police officers wearing gold jewelry.

The president’s comments came hours after one of his subordinates, namely Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, launched what is being considered in police circles as a personal attack on the Police Commanders and Senior Officers who wear gold jewelry.

“I see no difficulty in these officers and members wearing jewelry within the dress code and standards of the service, the overriding principles remain the standard ethics and professionalism of these officers.” The Head of State was quoted as saying.

Benn’s comments were made while addressing the Guyana Police Force Anniversary Symposium while the president’s response came in an invited comment on the issue.

The standard procedure is that police officers can wear their wedding bands or engagement rings while in uniform. There is however no code of conduct that speaks to how the police officers wear their jewelry when out of their uniforms.

How the statement of the minister was delivered on Tuesday, it suggested that police officers wear jewelry in general, be it in uniform or not, was a discomfort and problem for him as Minister.

Benn also blasts the police for inaction in some aspects of their policing duties, completely ignoring the fact that the organization is still lacking key and adequate resources as in the case of every other agency and organization.

President Irfaan Ali however in his invited comment did not miss the opportunity to make mention of the work men and women in uniform put in while serving their country.

“I have seen the tremendous work of members of our joint services, I can say for the vast majority of these men and women I have encountered hard-working patriots,” President Ali was quoted as saying.