THE Parliament has approved five new members for the Police Service Commission (PolSC) after a debate in the Lower House despite concerns from the opposition.
The nominees, submitted by President Christine Kangaloo are Dr Wendell Wallace, Annika Fritz-Browne, Ethel Hector-Berkeley, Roger Babooram, and returning member Ian Ramdhanie.
Opposition concerns centered on nominees Wallace, Babooram, and Ramdhanie. Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal questioned Wallace’s concurrent role on the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC), which was reportedly omitted from his CV. He said that EBC members should not serve in other state roles.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds countered by stating that Wallace’s EBC role was disclosed in a letter to the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, and demanded an apology for what he described as an unjust attack on Wallace’s character.
Hinds argued that holding positions on both the EBC and PSC does not threaten the separation of powers.
Concerns were also raised about Ian Ramdhanie’s association with a company conducting business with the Police Service. Hinds dismissed these concerns as misleading, asserting that Ramdhanie’s business ties posed no conflict of interest.
Additionally, Moonilal highlighted issues regarding Roger Babooram’s past testimony in an Industrial Court case. However, Hinds expressed full confidence in all the nominees’ qualifications and integrity.
Following the debate, all nominees were approved, with Wallace appointed as PSC Chairman. The new appointees replace outgoing members retired Justice of Appeal Judith Jones, Maxine Attong, Maxine King, and Rajiv Persad.
