Top cop tells officers serve with integrity

Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert on Sunday urged police officers to take up the challenge to serve Trinidad and Tobago with integrity. He said that is a responsibility that officers must never be reluctant to carry out.

Philbert was speaking at a civic interfaith service and awards function hosted by the City San Fernando Corporation (SFCC) at the St Paul’s Anglican Church, San Fernando. The service commemorated San Fernando’s 21st anniversary as a city.

"We must appreciate what our job is and hold ourselves in high esteem and be noble in the way we perform our duties. Integrity is the only thing we have. I want to encourage my junior officers to take time with our citizens and listen to them because they have a right to speak and be courteous to them," he said.

Philbert said money should never be a primary concern for anyone contemplating joining the police service.

"I have never been paid for the work that I have done, but I don’t think I am owed anything. I feel good when I walk down the streets and someone says, ’Thank you’," he said.

Minister of Local Government Hazel Manning and House Speaker Barry Sinanan were among those in the congregation.

The city presented awards to residents who have made a significant contribution to the city.

Among them was a woman who began selling clothing beneath the staircase of a building and a decade later became the owner of a shopping complex in San Fernando.

Allyson Modeste, owner of Royalty Plaza, received a business award from San Fernando Mayor Kenneth Ferguson and Manning.

The SFCC also honoured the Southern Division Police Service for its dedication to protect and serve the people of San Fernando.