Attorney General Anil Nandlall has expressed support for the ruling by Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George, which deemed the appointment of Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken after the age of 55 as lawful. During his weekly program, “Issues in the News,” Nandlall highlighted that the court found no constitutional or statutory prohibition preventing the President from making such an appointment.
Nandlall explained that the Constitution allows for the extension of a Police Commissioner’s tenure, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, up to the age of 60. He clarified that this provision applies equally to both substantive and acting commissioners, granting full authority and responsibilities to both roles.
Addressing concerns raised by Troy Garraway, who argued that Hicken’s appointment was unlawful due to his exceeding the retirement age, Nandlall asserted that the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act permits the Police Commissioner to serve until the age of 60. He emphasized that there is no explicit prohibition against appointing an individual after the age of 55.
“Any action that is not prohibited by law is legal,” Nandlall stated, asserting that the issue has been decisively resolved. He noted that previous challenges against Hicken’s appointment, which were not appealed, indicate acceptance of the court’s decision.
Hicken initially became Acting Police Commissioner following the new government’s assumption of office and was later confirmed to the substantive position despite reaching retirement age.
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