By Prior Beharry
JUNIOR Benjamin is still the acting commissioner of police, although the substantive commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher has returned to her office.
This is according to a release from the Ministry of Homeland Security on Wednesday.
The release also stated that Harewood-Christopher was sent on 66 days’ leave.
It stated, “The Ministry has taken advice from the Office of the Attorney General with respect to the matters that follow: Mr. Junior Benjamin, Commissioner of Police (Ag), was appointed to the post of Commissioner of Police (Ag.) on February 6ᵗʰ 2025, and it is understood that this appointment would continue until the Ministry is advised by the Police Service Commission of a change in this status.
“The Ministry has not been advised of a change in this status. Mrs Erla Harewood-Christopher has accrued sixty-six (66) days’ vacation leave and she has been informed to proceed on leave with effect from today.”
Harewood-Christopher was officially cleared of criminal charges related to the alleged importation of two high-powered sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Roger Gaspard, SC, announced on May 10 that there was insufficient evidence to support any criminal prosecution against her.
Gaspard stated, “In this matter, on the evidence, I am of the view that there is no realistic prospect of a conviction for the offence of misbehaviour in public office or for any offence, and accordingly, it would be legally wrong to proceed further.”
Harewood-Christopher was arrested on January 30 at her office and was suspended by the Police Service Commission (PolSC) the following day, pending the investigation’s outcome. Her attorney, Senior Counsel Pamela Elder, criticised the process, describing her client’s arrest and interrogation as “outrageous.” Elder questioned the grounds for the arrest, asking, “Who is the senior officer that authorized the arrest of the Commissioner of Police on material that did not establish grounds to suspect?”
Despite the DPP’s decision clearing her of criminal liability, Harewood-Christopher’s suspension remains in effect. Elder has called for her immediate reinstatement, emphasising that the PolSC has yet to provide any details of the alleged misconduct for her to respond to. She urged the PSC to act promptly in light of the DPP’s findings.
Legal sources told AZP News, that had the PolSC reinstated Harewood-Christopher as police commissioner, when she officially retires on May 14, there would have been no Parliament in session to put an acting police commissioner in place. And therefore, the police service would have been with an accounting officer.
After the April 28 general elections, Parliament is set to have an official ceremonial opening on May 23.
