Karimbaksh challenges compulsory pre-retirement leave, threatens legal action

(Kaieteur News) – Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Fazil Karimbaksh, has formally contested directives from Police Commissioner Dr. Clifton Hicken compelling him to proceed on pre-retirement leave. Through his attorney, Rizwaun Mohamed, Karimbaksh has rejected the legal foundation of the move, warning that immediate legal proceedings will be launched if the directive is enforced without lawful authority.

The dispute stems from a letter issued by Commissioner Hicken on October 7, 2026 (reference A/OPF/760), which stated that Karimbaksh is eligible for 174 days of annualised vacation leave prior to his retirement in April 2027 and that the leave “should commence on 2026-11-08”.

However, legal representation for the SOCU head has fired back, stating that Karimbaksh “does not consent to compulsory pre-retirement leave on the basis presently advanced” and “remains ready and available to discharge his duties and comply with lawful directions”.