PSC must do the honourable thing

THE EDITOR: The latest sordid episode in respect of the appointment of a Commissioner of Police has forced me to rise temporarily from my self-imposed “insomnia” in writing letters to the editor.

However, while I do support vehemently the views so clearly expressed by Frank Hamilton in his letter of July 8, I am of the view that moral suasion alone ought to absolve the President from having to act.

Indeed, the fact that, on this occasion, by its unanimous decision, the House of Representatives has rejected the latest recommendation of the Police Service Commission sends a clear message of no confidence in members of the commission.

Quite frankly, I am sorry for the position in which they have found themselves – a position which seems to have arisen from misconceptions as to their roles and functions. There can be no doubt, therefore, as to what is required – all five members should submit their resignations forthwith.

It is quite clear also that while a new “chairman” of the PSC had been appointed, the “old” culture whereby members had mistakenly abrogated to themselves the qualification as “experts” in manpower assessments still pervades. This, of course, seems to have resulted in their rejecting the work of the truly qualified “exerts.”

The Prime Minister has made it quite clear that the Government will stand by the law. Is there no other way out of the current despicable merry-go- round?

I suggest the following, based on what is in the public domain:

1. A “new” PSC should be appointed with minimum delay.

(Hopefully, this “new” PSC will take cognisance of the “blunders” and “misconceptions” of its predecessors and give rightful consideration to the “findings” and recommendations of the “experts.”)

2. Pending completion of the “works” at 1, the tenure of the present acting commissioner should be extended, once more. (Fairness demands that Stephen Williams, who is due to retire shortly, be properly compensated by being appointed as the substantive commissioner effective from the date of his first acting appointment.)

3. Should enabling legislation be required, so be it.

ERROL OC CUPID, Tacarigua