Police return to DPP in sniper-rifle probe

Investigators in the ongoing investigation into the procurement of sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) returned to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further consultation on February 7.

Newsday understands members of the team, headed by DCP Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin held discussions with DPP Roger Gaspard, SC.

Sources would only say, “no news,” when asked for an update on the discussions as "tasks (are) not completed."

Newsday was also told Tuesday’s meeting with the DPP concerned a request by the Police Service Commission (PSC) for further information to guide their response to suspended commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher.

On February 5, Harewood-Christopher was permitted by the High Court to challenge her suspension by the PSC. However, she failed to convince Justice Christopher Sieuchand to keep the office of commissioner vacant.

An hour before the judge’s ruling, the Parliament approved the motion for DCP Junior Benjamin to act as commissioner.

Benjamin officially received his instrument of appointment on February 6.

Harewood-Christopher was arrested on January 30 and suspended the next day. She and ex-SSA director retired Major Roger Best were released on February 1, on advice from the DPP, pending further inquiries.

In its letter to Harewood-Christopher on January 31, the PSC said, “In the proper discharge of its duty, in the interest of the police service and in the public interest, you must cease to report for duty and cease to discharge the duties of the office of the CoP, with immediate effect, until further notice.”

The commission also invited her to submit any representations on the decision within seven days. Additionally, the PSC wrote to President Christine Kangaloo on January 31, telling her of the decision and submitting nominations for acting appointments to the positions of CoP and DCP.

On February 1, Martin wrote to the Prime Minister as head of the National Security Council to provide information on the procurement of two Accuracy International AX2 bolt-action sniper rifles and related accessories, including 7.65mm suppression scopes, scope mounts, and bipods, between July 4, 2023, and June 2, 2024.

She wanted to know if Harewood-Christopher or Best notified the NSC about the SSA’s intent to procure the weapons and if it was approved. She also wanted to know if Harewood-Christopher approved the SSA’s request to procure the rifles through firearm dealer Luke Hadeed’s Aston Enterprises Ltd. Dr Rowley told the Parliament on February 5, that he responded to Martin. He said there was “nothing mysterious about the questions and nothing mysterious about the answer.”

“We, like the rest of the country, await the outcome of the work of the police and the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions as it has to do with the Commissioner of Police or any other persons under police investigation,” he said.