By Sue-Ann Wayow
ATTORNEYS representing Gary Griffith in his court matter against the Police Service Commission (PolSC) is asking President Paula-Mae Weekes why the list of names on the merit list was not yet submitted to the House of Representatives for consideration as stated in the Constitution.
In a media release on Thursday by RLM & Co, attorney Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj stated that the list was submitted to the President since August 12.
Quoting the Constitution Section 123(4), Lawrence Maharaj said the law does not make provision for any President’s discretion in the matter.
He stated, “ In the circumstances, the President has a duty to explain to the public, why, upon receiving the list of nominees from the Commission on August 12, 2021, she elected not to perform her constitutional duty under section 123(4) of the Constitution to submit the requisite notifications to the House of Representatives for its approval.
Openness, transparency and accountability of the State to the people demand that the President gives to the public an explanation why the list of nominees was not sent to the Parliament on or around the 12th August, 2021.”
Section 123(4) of the Constitution states, “The President shall issue a notification in respect of each person nominated by the Police Service Commission and the notification shall be subject to affirmative resolution of the House of Representatives.”
