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The Vanuatu Police Service Commission has a new chairperson.
Former Vanuatu Mobile Force Commander Willie Vira was appointed by the President Baldwin Lonsdale yesterday.
Mr Vira succeeds Api Jack Marikembo, who was disqualified from the post due to his connection and conviction in the police mutiny case.
His appointment comes on the eve of the 6th anniversary of his transfer from Commander VMF to Deputy Police Commissioner on 13 Sept 2010.
It is believed Mr Vira’s appointment will now hasten the appointment of the new Police Commissioner.
Earlier this month, when the Police Service Commission was about to confirm the appointment of the new police commissioner before recommending it to the Head of State for appointment, a letter of concern was sent to the State Officer following the outraged appointment of Mr Marikembo’s as chair of the PSC.
The letter clearly quoted provisions of the Police Act 9 (4) (5) that disqualifies any person who has been convicted of a criminal offence and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment including a suspended sentence.
With Mr Marikembo’s removal, it remains to be seen whether the PSC would have to go through the whole recruiting process again.
But it is certain that with Mr Vira at the helm of the PSC, Vanuatu could have as new police commissioner in the coming days.
