By Chantalé Fletcher
POLITICAL leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar describes the selection of Commissioner of Police as “a constitutional crisis of the highest order.”
And she is calling on Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PolSC) Bliss Seepersad to say if there was any conspiracy with the Office of the President during the process.
Speaking at the party’s virtual report on Monday, Persad-Bissessar said, “We have a constitutional crisis on our hands of the highest order.
“At this point in time, we have two acting commissioners of police while we have no substantial commissioner.”
She added, “Crimes and murders have escalated out of control once again, while this Government was now trying to force out Gary Griffith from holding the position of Commissioner of Police.”
The Opposition Leader called on the entire PolSC to resign.
“They must resign in shame. They have created a constitutional crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. I hold no brief for anyone but I hold a brief for the rule of law.”
Persad-Bissessar claimed the Office of the President and the PolSC have acted unconstitutionally to the detriment of citizens.
She asked several questions regarding the process.
“Did the PolSC send in writing a merit list to the President as required by law for the Acting COP, given the contract of Griffith had expired?
“And if they did send it, what has the President done with such letter?
Did she receive the letter or act on it?”
Persad-Bissessar also questioned why President Paula-Mae Weekes did not yet take the merit list to Parliament and send a notification as the appointment has to be approved by House of Representatives.
“The country deserves answers,” she said.
In referring to Captain Gary Griffith, the Opposition Leader said, “I hold no brief for Gary Griffith. It is the institution that we are defending, and the independence of that institution.
“There is a process for the process of an acting commissioner of police where that acting commissioner will come from a contracted persons and not from the close ranks of the police service.”
“Did you the PolSC act unlawfully by sending a letter to Griffith saying you are acting. Was it legal? Did you have that authority?”
Persad-Bissessar said, “In law, you did not have that authority to appoint Griffith. That appointment would only come after approval from a parliament and that did not happen. We have a constitutional crisis created by this PolSC. Tell us if you are being given instructions by the politicians?”
She also made reference to National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Griffith’s extended leave.
Persad-Bissessar said, “Isn’t it strange that immediately after that whole impasse, that the PolSC sends a letter to Griffith saying you’re suspended.
“It’s not weird, but clear that there is a clear political interference in this matter regarding with the appointment of the COP.
“This must be dealt with now, the merit list sent to the president, should be sent to the parliament for approval for acting CoP.”
Persad- Bissessar commended Griffith’s efforts in the fight against crime.
She said, “You can say what you want, but the man was out in the field, on the ground. He was working.”
