Leslie James recommits to ‘Talking to press’
Commissioner of Police Leslie James in foreground makes his way to a police divisional luncheon
With it’s back against the wall and public confidence in the force likely to take a dip, Commissioner of Police Leslie James; six days after declearing “I am not talking to the press today” found himself talking to the press on Tuesday at a hastly call press conference to address the beating and burning of a teenager by two members of the Guyana Police Force.
At the press conference on Tuesday, the Top Cop sought to provide an explanation for his decision of not engaging the press last week Wednesday when he informed that he was not speaking, as he walked through the corps of journalists with rolling camera and recorders on. ‘I am not talking to press today’- Top Cop
“I know a number of persons within your corps tried to get in touch with me last week but am, including Mr. Smith when you were at the Officers’ Training Centre but I did say that I was unable to speak with the press simply because I had another engagement” Commissioner James explained to the press on Tuesday.
The Commissioner did express concerns with the manner in which ‘these matters’ care carried and asked that the some care is taken not to rush to publish matters which suggest contrary.
“Whoever sits here have no issues with working with the press; that is part of our core functions; to work with the press, we have always been working with the press and we will continue to work the press” a sober Top Cop assured.
He continued by media operatives present at the Press Conference that all police divisional commander as well as the traffic chief are authorised to engage and speak with the members of the media while there is a general posture where the force would sometimes speak through its Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan.
“We would speak with you through our Pro and occasion as the situations necessitates, I will call a press conference or I would speak with you at the side bars and maybe even at a function where you may put or pose questions to me” Leslie James concluded.
