Voice note of former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith above
By Sue-Ann Wayow
MINISTER of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds has told former commissioner of police Gary Griffith to remain on leave.
In a voice note sent on WhatsApp, Griffith’s voice is heard saying, “Mr Hinds contacted me yesterday and told me that he would like for me to remain on leave until further notice.”
Griffith confirmed to AZPNews.com on Friday that the voice note was his.
The former CoP is on leave following the end of his three-year contract on August 17. He then proceeded on vacation and was in the country.
In the voice, note, Griffith said, “Unfortunately, whoever advised the minister gave him wrong advice because a minister of national security does not have any authority to send any police officer on leave based on the law and for obvious reasons that a politician cannot direct the police in such a way. This has to be done though the Police Service Commission (PSC) and they are fully aware of their role and function where you cannot send someone on leave unless of course, there is a disciplinary matter or there is an investigation taking place by law enforcement authorities.”
On Thursday, Griffith issued a public statement stating amidst allegation of the issuance of firearm user licences that he remained the best man for the top cop job.
Griffith told AZPNews.com that the several assessments have been completed and the merit list for the post of police commissioner has been compiled over a month ago.
After the list is sent to the Office of the President, it is then forwarded to the Prime Minister, who takes it to Parliament for debate and affirmative resolution.
The selection process has been challenged in court by Senior Supt Anand Ramesar who filed legal proceedings in the High Court after he failed to advance to the interview stage.
An interim injunction to Ramesar, that will remain in effect until at least October 24 was granted by the Court.
Ramesar’s substantive claim against the PSC will be heard before Justice Joan Charles who will then determine if the interim injunction should be extended or lifted.
Presently, Deputy Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob is acting as CoP until a selection is made.
Attempts to get in contact with Hinds were unsuccessful.
MP calls for presidential intervention
Opposition Member of Parliament Dr Roodal Moonilal on Friday called for President Paula-Mae Weekes to ask members of the PSC whether they have taken instructions from a politician.
Dr Moonilal said the PSC must also indicate whether they were stopped by the political directorate in August from submitting their recommendations to the President for the top CoP after their legal and administrative process was completed.
Additionally, the PSC must confirm that they have appointed Stanley John to inquire into a civilian one man signed report on firearm licenses, the MP stated in a press release.
Dr Moonilal said, “ The Head of State must request that Commissioners explain whether they took orders from National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds to instruct Gary Griffith not to resume duties. If this is confirmed, the President must dismiss the Commission members for acting in contravention of Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution.”
The PSC and all similar Commissions, were established in the founding 1962 national Constitution to keep public officers safe from the clutches of dictatorial politicians he said.
He stated, “The move to arbitrarily send the incumbent Commissioner of Police on extended vacation is unconstitutional, tyrannical, and a dangerous precedent. Mr. Hinds must be summarily fired for flouting the Constitution and acting in an authoritarian manner.”
