Philbert sent home; Williams to act as CoP

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Friday terminated the contract of acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) James Philbert and requested Deputy Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to abort his leave and act as commissioner. Williams takes up duties on Monday.

The PSC has not given a formal explanation for the sudden decision to send Philbert home.

"We haven't made any press release or media release on the matter, and I'm not prepared to say anything further on that. Next week, perhaps, we could be able to give some insight into what is taking place," Nizam Mohammed told the Trinidad Express.

Philbert has been in the position since the retirement of Trevor Paul in July 2008. Williams had been chosen as the number one candidate for the job but the Manning admistration rejected him saying he didn't have certain essential skills.

The PSC subsequently appointed Philbert, who was granted extensions three times. His contract was due to expire on September 30, 2010.

Williams, who is the most senior of the three Deputy Commissioners, will act as CoP until Canadian Dwayne Gibbs takes up the job.

Williams told local media he will meet with the executive of the Police Service to discuss the crime situation and plans to deal with the problem.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association welcomed Philbert's departure. Association President Sgt Anand Ramesar called it "a huge victory" for the police service and his membership.

"This is a victory for the association in its fight for better management for its membership when it comes to the issues of promotion and management that brings job satisfaction and internal treatment for its membership," Ramesar told the Express.

"From the onset, we have had concerns about the administration being implemented by Mr Philbert, and we have voiced our concerns at all levels, which include the Ministerial and Prime Ministerial level and at the Police Service Commission. It appears that our concerns have been responded to and our complaints have been addressed," he said.