By Sue-Ann Wayow
ALL the individuals involved in the botched selection process of a Commissioner of Police last year must also be investigated by the police.
This includes President Paula-Mae Weekes, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and former chair of the Police Service Commission (PolSc) Bliss Seepersad.
This is according to Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal who spoke at the United National Congress (UNC) Monday night virtual report.
Dr Moonilal congratulated Opposition Senator David Nakhid for writing Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, six letters asking for an investigation into the conduct of Dr Rowley as it related to the selection of a CoP.
The letters were all copied to Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob.
Nakhid finally received a response from Jacob which was shared by Dr Moonilal.
The letter dated June 27 states that the matter was forwarded to the Senior Superintendent Anti Corruption Investigation Bureau.
Nakhid had called for the investigation as to whether the prime minister was guilty of misbehaviour in public office for causing the Order of Merit List for Commissioner of Police to be withdrawn. Former CoP Gary Griffith had placed first on that list.
Dr Rowley later confessed that he was indeed the “high ranking official” who met with Seepersad at the President’s House and provided her with information on Griffith.
He had also confessed at a press conference that he had written to the PolSC expressing disapproval of Griffith.
The entire scenario eventually caused the dismantling of the former PolSC and the selection of new Commissioners.
Dr Moonilal said, “I want to know if they asking anybody from England, Britain, America, Europe, Grenada, Guyana, anywhere to help with that.
“Because it is not Rowley alone. It is the former members of the Police Service Commission, Bliss ‘where is the list’ Seepersad, she in that too. The President by allowing her office to be manipulated is in that too. So, the police have to investigate all of them.”
Dr Moonilal said, “They must interview all the actors and actresses in this sordid matter. Interview all and investigate whether Rowley misbehaved in public office. He had no business in that. His business was when the list comes to the Parliament, he could stand up in the Parliament and say ‘look we don’t want this man.”
He said all reasons could have been given then for rejecting a candidate which was done before.
“He (Dr Rowley) interfered in the process when he should not and that is now before the police.,” Dr Moonilal said.
He also asked Nakhid to continue to write Jacob to enquire on any updates regarding the matter.
