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alexk
Guest
Secretary of the Police Social and Welfare Association Inspector Anand Ramesar extended congratulations on behalf of the Association to Gary Griffith on his appointment as the next Commissioner of Police.
He said Griffith needs to understand that the job of Commissioner “is not a job that he can or is expected to do alone.”
Ramesar said he had been designated to speak to the media on the matter by President of the Association Michael Seales.
He explained that the comment which Seales made that policing and politics don’t mix and which was criticised by the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley during the debate, “is a sentiment of the membership. I hope it was not taken out of context.”
He said, “impartiality is a keystone characteristic of all police officers and it’s a principle that must be protected at all times.”
Ramesar admitted that the process for the selection of a Commissioner had “generated a lot of mixed feelings among the membership, in terms of whom they wanted to be their Commissioner,” but he said the “fact of the matter is that the choice has been made by the Government and we as police officers are at the point where we must demonstrate that professional maturity and embrace our role as police officers and support the new leadership.”
He urged the Police Service Commission “not to waste any time, in identifying persons of choice for the Deputy Commissioner of Police positions.” Ramesar said those positions in administration and crime are critical.
Having interacted with Griffith in his previous incarnation as a National Security Minister, Ramesar said “I do have an appreciation of him as someone who is willing to try new things, so there is an expectation that he would bring a new perspective in the TTPS in the way we do things. But he must be mindful that it is not a task that he is expected to or can do alone.”
The association is looking forward to meeting with Griffith and is hoping that such a meeting will be given “top priority” by the incoming Commissioner. Ramesar is confident this will happen given the way Griffith operated when he was National Security Minister.
Pastor Clive Dottin congratulated Griffith on his appointment urging him to “show wisdom to unite the various departments of the Police Service.”