The terms of two chairmen—Prof Ramesh Deosaran, head of the Police Service Commission (PSC), and Prof John La Guerre, who chairs the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)—will come to an end next month. Deosaran’s three-year contract expires on April 13, while La Guerre’s last day on the job is April 20. The term of Dr Eastlyn McKenzie who serves as vice chairman of the EOC will also expire simultaneously with La Guerre’s.
Deosaran replaced Nizam Mohammed whose appointment was rescinded over comments about an ethnic imbalance in the police service. But while the final workdays of both chairmen draw closer, information about their replacement or reappointment by President Anthony Carmona remained unanswered.
No word on replacement or reappointment
On Thursday, information officer at the Office of the President Theron Boodan said Carmona was aware of the situation. However, Boodan said he could not speak further on the matter. The President, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, is required to present to the House of Representatives people who are qualified as commissioners on the PSC.
Despite strong objection from former public service head Reginald Dumas, and threats by him to take action, last November the House of Representatives approved four nominations by Carmona for membership of the PSC. Dumas objected to the nominations of Dr James Armstrong and Roamar Achat-Saney on the ground that they are not qualified for the positions. He charged that Carmona made the nominations “per incuriam,” without care.
The EOC’s commissioners are also appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. La Guerre, who was re-appointed as chairman on the EOC in 2011, refused to speak on Friday, while Deosaran could not be reached for comment.