(Trinidad Guardian) Police Commissioner of Police (CoP) Dwayne Gibbs has come under the gun. And, reliable sources have informed Sunday Guardian that if the Canadian-born does not show he has what it takes to fight crime in T&T in the next six months he may very well be given the boot. Gibbs, who has been on the job for the last six months, has failed to meet the expectation of the public and some members of the Government in the face of rising crime. As a result, he is being closely scrutinised. On the local election campaign trail, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had warned that a “specific clause” in Gibbs’ contract allowed him to be terminated if he did not perform.
According to top police officials, the man being eyed for the job if Gibbs’ three-year contract is terminated before time is Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Stephen Williams, who had failed to find favour with the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration. The PNM’s choice was James Philbert, while the United National Congress was in support of Williams. According to reliable legal sources, Gibbs’ dismissal could go into effect if the Police Service Commission (PSC), which is responsible for the appointment of a CoP and DCP, writes a report to the President outlining grounds for his dismissal. The legal source and a senior police official revealed yesterday: “The PSC decides if the CoP performs or not.” The PSC is expected to prepare an annual performance review in six months time. Gibbs, in an earlier interview, also supported his termination if he failed to perform.
He said: “I would hate to think that if I don’t perform…Why would you keep me? Certainly, there are expectations for me to be out here working and I’m fully prepared for that. “I believe in accountability and if I’m not accountable to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for my work, then why would you want to keep me?” Contacted for comment director of the Public Affairs Unit, Sharon Lee-Assang dismissed the report. Warner: I am prepared to give him some more time
Contacted on the issue yesterday, acting Prime Minister Jack Warner said Cabinet had not discussed renewing or terminating Gibbs’ contract. “I can say it was never discussed at Cabinet level. “If members are saying his contract would not be renewed they may have their own individual opinion. I attended Cabinet meetings and I am not aware that was discussed. “One could never be satisfied with one’s performance, one aspires for excellence and the jury is still out. “The Commissioner of Police is still being given the benefit of the doubt but the fact is the public is beginning to ask questions and they are free to do so. In fact, it is their duty to do so. “At this time I am prepared to give him some more time,” Warner said.
PSC function as outlined in Section:
123 of the Constitution as amended by Act No 6 2006:
• Appoint persons to hold or act in the office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police.
• Make appointments on promotion and to confirm appointments.
• Remove from office and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in the offices as specified.
• Monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the discharge of their functions.
• Prepare an annual performance appraisal report in such forms as may be prescribed by the Public Service Commission respecting and for the information of the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Police.
• Hear and determine appeals from decisions of the Commissioner of Police or any person to whom the powers of the Commissioner of Police have been delegated as a result of disciplinary proceedings brought against a police officer appointed by the Commissioner of Police.
