Guyana’s government faces an urgent constitutional challenge to reconstitute the Police Service Commission (PSC) following the recent death of its chairman and the previous passing of another commissioner. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira confirmed Monday that the commission cannot currently function with only two remaining members, particularly without leadership.
The vacancies emerged after PSC Chairman Patrick Findlay passed away on January 30, 2026, and ordinary commissioner Lloyd Conway died over a year ago. Minister Teixeira emphasized the pressing need for appointments during parliamentary budget discussions, noting that 645 members of the Guyana Police Force await promotions this year based on vacancies created by retirements and departures.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has declared his readiness to engage in constitutionally mandated consultations with President Irfaan Ali. Mohamed emphasized that the National Assembly must first identify its nominee to fill the commission vacancy before meaningful consultation can occur regarding the chairman appointment. ‘I look forward to this process being commenced so that this institution can be functional again,’ Mohamed stated.
The Guyanese Constitution requires the President to appoint the PSC Chairman after meaningful consultation with the Opposition Leader from among four members appointed by the President. These appointments follow National Assembly nominations after consulting with bodies representing police force members.
The political context adds complexity to the situation, as the People’s Progressive Party has previously noted Mohamed’s legal challenges. The United States seeks Mohamed for trial on allegations of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering related to his gold trading business. Both Mohamed and his father face US sanctions for alleged gold smuggling that reportedly defrauded the Guyanese government of over US$50 million.