Georgetown: The former acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud was confirmed to the post after a swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Complex Tuesday. In the presence of members of the Police Service Commission, Guyana Police Force’s High Command, head of the joint services, the home affairs and legal affairs ministers, senior members of the judiciary and family members, Commissioner Persaud thanked President Donald Ramotar and his administration for their confidence in him.
He stated that the occasion, for him was one marked with humility and a great sense of accomplishment. Describing his career as a long journey, the commissioner said it was a bumpy one filled with challenges. “I’ve enjoyed a career that has been characterised by excitement and rewards”.
A pledge was also made him to continue efforts to making the force more professional and one that embraces values of democracy. He thanked God for seeing him come “this far” and his family who stuck with him through thick and thin, police commanders and friends, all of whom provided him with support over his years in the force.
In an invited comment, the new Top Cop vowed to continue efforts to root out rogue ranks who harass motorists warning that they must see an offence being committed before stopping errant drivers. The push to name and shame drunk drivers who are charged and prosecuted will also continue, he said, as well as the increased usage of breathalysers, to curb incidences of drunk driving.
The fact that his confirmation came some two months prior to the upcoming General and Regional Elections will not be a challenge, Commissioner Seelall indicated, even if a worse case scenario presents itself such as a “total breakdown in law and order,” he emphasised. He stated that he and the police force have been preparing for the eventuality since the formal date was announced.
Police Commissioner Persaud has served in the force for close to 31 years, with most of that spent within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He served as head of the anti-narcotics squad for 10 years and CID for seven, serving in both coastal and interior locations. Persaud, 51, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management and a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Studies from the University of Guyana.
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