Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago approves Junior Benjamin as acting Commissioner of Police while ACP Curt Simon becomes acting DCP amid investigations surrounding the previous CoP’s suspension. Prime Minister Rowley defends government impartiality, emphasizing independence from the PSC. Ongoing tensions reflect concerns over political influence on police governance and public trust as Benjamin faces the challenge of restoring confidence in law enforcement.
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has approved Junior Benjamin as the acting Commissioner of Police (CoP), following less than a 90-minute debate. The decision comes after the suspension of CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher amidst a police investigation into a controversial arms importation incident. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s role is impartial and separated from the Police Service Commission (PSC) and police investigations.
During the discussions, Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal from the Opposition raised concerns over whether a legitimate vacancy existed for the CoP position, referencing PSC regulations. Moonilal criticized the government’s involvement in the continued tenure extensions of Harewood-Christopher, responding to accusations of political interference by the Prime Minister. Although Benjamin was presented positively due to his extensive police experience, questions linger regarding the propriety of the current situation.
Benjamin’s appointment seeks to restore public trust in the police, which recent surveys report is alarmingly low at 15 percent. In his defense, Prime Minister Rowley stated that Benjamin’s nomination followed appropriate protocols from the PSC, reiterating that the government had no direct role in the police’s operations.
Simultaneously, ACP Curt Simon was also approved as acting DCP without significant opposition. Rowley spoke on the need for better procedures regarding acting appointments and reiterated Simon’s qualifications and previous experience in deputy roles. The discussion highlighted the constitutional requirement for Parliamentary oversight of appointments, even those who have served previously.
Hosein, an MP, defended the necessity of parliamentary dialogue around appointments to prevent perceived interference and ensure appropriate checks and balances. The Prime Minister responded to claims of previous misconduct or influence over police appointments, declaring that he acted in accordance with legal obligations to support the PSC and maintain transparency and oversight in law enforcement.
Both appointments reflect ongoing tensions in the Trinidad and Tobago police force, with stakeholders watching closely as the government navigates this complex situation. The outcome of current investigations and the new leadership roles will likely impact public confidence in the police moving forward.
The appointment of an acting Commissioner of Police in Trinidad and Tobago comes at a critical moment following the suspension of the previous CoP due to allegations surrounding illegal arms imports connected to the Strategic Services Agency. This situation has raised concerns about the political influence over police appointments and public trust in law enforcement. In Trinidad and Tobago, the role of the Police Service Commission is to independently oversee police governance, but recent events have blurred the lines between governmental influence and autonomy. The actions taken in Parliament aim to address leadership instability while stakeholders scrutinize the ramifications of these changes within the police force.
The approval of Junior Benjamin as acting Commissioner of Police and ACP Curt Simon as acting DCP marks a significant moment for Trinidad and Tobago’s law enforcement landscape. Given the backdrop of suspensions and investigations, these appointments are under tight scrutiny for their implications on police integrity and public trust. As the political discourse unfolds, the government must navigate its relationship with the PSC to ensure transparency and uphold the confidence of citizens in their police force.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
