By Sue-Ann Wayow

SUPERINTENDENT Allister Guevarro has Parliament’s approval to become the next Commissioner of Police (CoP).

The motion to approve the notification of the President of the nomination by the Police Service Commission (PolSC) of Guevarro to the position of CoP was put forward by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander in his maiden contribution to Parliament on Friday.

It was unanimously approved by both government and opposition members.

In laying the motion, Alexander listed out Guevarro’s portfolio stating he was a leader in law enforcement and security in Trinidad and Tobago with a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in law enforcement.

Starting off as a police constable in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) 27 years ago, Guevarro moved up the ranks to become a superintendent.

He possesses a Master in Business Administration, leadership, entrepreneurial skills and innovation from the Anglia Ruskin University with additional training from the University of Cambridge in evidence-based policing.

Also, he has training from Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business in environmental, criminology and crime analysis and also from the Cipriani College of Labour Cooperative Studies in security administration and management.

And Guevarro has specialised training from several organisations including the United Nations.

Contributing to the motion Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, the Member of Parliament for Arouca/Lopinot said Guevarro was one who has served Trinidad and Tobago as a career police officer in a commendable way with an unblemished record based on Alexander’s layout.

“The Opposition will have absolutely no objection to the recommendation by her Excellency the President to allow Mr Guevarro to fill the position of Commissioner of Police,” Gonzales said.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar maintained that the CoP will be selected according to law and constitutional process.

“No one is above the law. This government will follow the law and not attempt to subvert the law… As your prime minister I am fully aware that making this decision correctly  is one of the principle reasons you elected us into office because you were concerned about crime,” she said.

During her contribution, Persad-Bissessar was interrupted on more than one occasion particularly one from former finance minister Colm Imbert.

But she fired back, “This can go on for the whole evening. You had your turn for ten years and you failed!”

House Speaker Jagdeo Singh had a task on his hand bringing Parliament back to order on several occasions as cross talk took place between the government and opposition causing both sides to be cautioned at points.

Former minister in the ministry of national security and Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South Keith Scotland said one of the reason why  the Opposition was supporting the nomination was because of the process.

Attorney General John Jeremie, SC,  also contributed to the motion.

He thanked Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin for his  service in the past five months.

“I want to use this opportunity to place on record, our deep appreciation to and thanks for the efforts of Mr Junior Benjamin who was left to rescue the service from the debacle that you (the Opposition) had taken it to. This country owes him a debt of gratitude.”

In his closing remarks, Alexander said, “The decision to support Mr Guevarro represents the maturing of our political culture, a movement where country comes before party.”

With laughter from the other side, Minister of Rural Development and Local Development Khadijah Ameen interjected to Alexander, “Dem doh know bout that.”

Alexander repeated, “Let me say it again. A movement where country comes before party” pausing to allow for desk thumping on his side, “and stability triumph over division.”

“This government is committed to restoring faith in our institutions. We have allowed the independent Police Service Commission to do it without any interference.”

He thanked Persad-Bissessar for leading the action “from the front” and in so doing restore confidence in the process selection for CoP.