By Sue-Ann Wayow
NEITHER Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher nor any police officer under her purview received any directives from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to investigate activities of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
This was stated by Harewood-Christopher.
She is denying allegations made on Wednesday by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine that she was implicated in a plot to discredit and embarrass the THA executive using a leaked audio tape that is under investigation to their advantage.
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Harewood-Christopher called a press conference shortly after Augustine spoke during a special sitting of the THA on Wednesday morning.
The press conference was held at the Police Administration Building, Sackville Street, Port of Spain.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence and Investigations, Curt Simon, Assistant Commissioner of Police, White Collar Crime Division, Wendell Lucas, and Public Information Officer Inspector Michelle Lewis were also in attendance.
Harewood-Christopher defended the integrity and independence of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
She said, “These are serious allegations which strikes to the root of the integrity of the TTPS with the potential for very adverse impacts on the very important function of law enforcement and must be responded to in the public’s interest.”
Harewood-Christopher said, “I wish to categorically deny that I took any directive from the Prime Minister or that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in pursuing this investigation was motivated, instructed or directed in any way as is being alleged by the Chief Secretary.”
She also said, “I wish to state on the contrary, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service acted on its own deliberate judgment and in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago in the execution of its functions in relation to the matter being investigated.”
The CoP continued, “I wish to assure all citizens that I have the assurance of the officers involved and I am satisfied that the police has acted properly and independently in this matter and in accordance with our usual practices.”
Harewood-Christopher was also assuring that the TTPS will do everything not to be motivated by political entities when conducting their duties.
The investigation will be pursued in a professional and objective manner to its conclusion she said.
