PM willing to meet Rowley to discuss police commissioner

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Tuesday she is willing to meet with Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to discuss the matters relating to the appointment of a police commissioner.

Rowley stated on Monday that the general council of the People's National Movement (PNM) has mandated him to meet with the prime minister "at some time" to discuss the matter.

Rowley wants the selection system to change and does not support the idea of having foreigners in the top police positions in the country.

Read the story:Police chief gets to keep his job until Sept. 30

The top four names in order of merit for the commissioner's job are foreigners. The fifth name on the list is ACP Stephen Williams, who was the recommended candidate for the Police commissioner's job in 2008.

However, then Prime Minister Patrick Manning used his veto to block the appointment, saying Williams lacked then necessary experience to do the job.

James Philbert was subsequently appointed as Acting Police Commissioner. he was due to retire on June 30, but the Police service Commission has granted him an extension until September 30 while it continues to complete the selection of a commissioner.

Persad-Bissessar held several meeting with police officers and businessmen Tuesday to discuss the appointment of a new police commissioner.

She told reporters her People's Partnership government has not yet reached a decision on the matter. The caucus meets at the Rienzi Complex Wednesday to discuss the issue before it goes to Parliament on Friday.

Commenting on Rowley's call for a possible review of the selection process for a commissioner of police, Persad-Bissessar said while she is not convinced that there is such a need “no law is fixed in stone...so things can be changed".

She said, however, that there must be consensus if any law is to be changed.

“This law came about by strong constitutional majority, with a lot of consultation...should there be a review that is not something that is going to happen overnight...It is something that will take a longer period of time to have proper consultations if it is that we are to make further constitutional changes," she said.

“We have to consider what would be best for the police at this time and more importantly what would be best for the people of T&T at this time,” Persad-Bissessar added.