Former National Security Minister Reportedly Tops List
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Police Service Commission of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday announced that it has submitted its nominations for the positions of Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police to the President Anthony Carmona.
In a press release, the Commission said the submission of the nominations is a major step towards the continuity and stability of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) executive leadership and bringing about the transformational and positive changes desired within the organization.
The Commission says candidates who vied for the open positions underwent a comprehensive, rigorous process to determine their suitability for the roles.
“This included psychometric testing, panel interviews, scenario testing, professional and security vetting, financial and background checks, and medical assessments.”
The next step in the process is for the President, in accordance with the Constitution, to issue a notification in respect of the highest graded candidates, which shall be subject to affirmative resolution from the House of Representatives.
The Commission will appoint the Commissioner of Police or Deputy Commissioners of Police once the notifications are approved.
Earlier this week, the Guardian Newspaper reported that former national security minister Gary Griffith had topped the candidates for the position.
The other two candidates short-listed for the top cop post are President of the Police Second Division Association Michael Seales and Deputy Commissioner of Police Glen Hackett.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley expressed frustration over the process to select a Commissioner of Police during an interview on Power 102 fm.
“I as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, I am the person who knows the least about that and that is part of the stupidness that going on in this country.”
He said Parliament had changed the process for the veto of the Prime Minister, but the change is a “rigmarole that ends up in a more political situation than that.” – CMC