By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE selection of newly appointed Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro is “a powerful testament of the democratic process” says Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.

Speaking at a handover ceremony for Guevarro on Tuesday, Alexander had high praises for the new CoP who have had an extensive career in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

The ceremony in which Guevarro was officially presented with his instruments of appointment was held at the Police Training Academy in St James – a first of its kind.

Earlier on Tuesday, Guevarro had received his letter of promotion from Acting Senior Superintendent to CoP from the Police Service Commission.

Alexander, in his maiden contribution to Parliament last Friday, moved the motion to have Parliament’s approval for Guevarro’s appointment.

On Wednesday, he called the ceremony historic as the TTPS “embraces a new chapter” and thanked Guevarro for his willingness to serve in what he described as a most demanding and noble profession.

Alexander also commended and thanked Junior Benjamin who acted in the position since February 6.

“On behalf of the government of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend my sincere gratitude to you Mr Benjamin for your exemplary and dedicated service.”

He added that the TTPS will continue to benefit from Benjamin’s wealth of expertise and institutional knowledge.

Alexander called on police officers to support Guevarro in his new appointment.

To them he said, “You are not merely enforcers of the law, you are guardians of democracy, protectors of space, symbol of hope of every citizen in this republic.”

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Alexander maintained the bullet proof vests for officers will remain a priority for him as opposed to body cams which was important but with a different function.

He explained, “We need to protect the officer in the line of duty and he must feel that he is supported and protected before he is able to go out there and really perform his duty… Give him the type of protection he needs and then, place the other things on him so he can do his job.”

Alexander said it was understanding why the public may prefer body cams but officers needed to be protected also.

He said the new CoP is supported by the TTPS executive.

 “The TTPS is going through some trying times and we must lend that support. We need to have all the resources available to them so that they will be able to fight crime in a manner where the public will be able to say yes, changes have been made,” Alexander said.

During the Standing Finance Committee meeting on Monday, the TTPS requested a supplemental value of $119,117,400.