COP calls for Nizam's dismissal

The Congress of the People (COP) on Monday called for the revocation of the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) for statements he made last Friday to the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament regarding the ethnic imbalance in the police service.

The party, which is one of the five members of the People's partnership, issued the statement following an emergency meeting.

JYOTI has published the full statement, which is signed by COP Chairman, Joseph Toney:

"The National Executive of the Congress of the People met in emergency session today at COP’s headquarters at Flagship House, Port of Spain, to discuss the comments made last Friday in Parliament by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Nizam Mohammed.

"The National Executive discussed the matter thoroughly. The COP wishes to reiterate the commitment of the COP to fairness, equality, racial harmony and the values of national unity, all of which are enshrined in the preamble to the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago.

"To this end, the National Executive of the Congress of the People once again completely distances itself from the irresponsible and divisive statements made by the P.S.C Chairman.

"Further, it calls upon the Honourable Prime Minister to advise His Excellency the President that the appointment of Mr. Mohammed as Chairman of the Police Service Commission be revoked with immediate effect."

Editor's note: Mohammed was appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission by Senate President Timothy Hamel Smith while he was acting for President Max Richards. Hamel Smith is a member of COP.