Presidential Guard Mr. Telon Perreira who was reportedly stabbed five times by a Nigerian national, who allegedly attempted to enter State House, was on December 24 promoted to the rank of Corporal.
According to a police release President Irfaan Ali and Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken visited the injured rank at his hospital bed and placed the insignia on his right arm.
Ali praised the rank for his bravery and courage.
However retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, and former head of the Presidential Guard, said he found the incident very strange.
According to Slowe, in a recent article in this publication, the entire incident is very alarming and appears to be a serious breakdown in the security arrangements at State House resulting in this unfortunate incident.
Going further, Slowe stated the question to be asked is how was the person able to get into the security enclosure at State House with a weapon (knife), which he then used to inflict serious injuries on a rank and relieved another of a firearm?
Pointing out the incident suggests something is definitely wrong with the security arrangements at State House, Slowe called for a comprehensive review of the entire security arrangements at all buildings where senior government and other functionaries work and live. Saying this must be done by competent professionals Slowe said the review must include staffing, training, and the relevant Standard Operational Procedures (SOP’s), among other issues.
