Gibbs concerned over public safety in TT

TIMES INT'L

As members of the Second Division of the TT Police Service threaten a second round of protest action, which was expected to commence on Monday, February14th, Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs expressed concern for members of the public. Gibbs, who gave a brief comment, said: “My main concern continues to be for the public and their safety.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of administration, Stephen Williams, who said he was unfazed by the apparent protest action, charged that only a handful of “miscreants” was creating trouble within the Police Service. “In the Police Service, like any other organisation, there would be a handful of delinquents who mess things up,” he said. Saying he “had not officially heard” of the protest, Williams was, nevertheless, confident that operations would continue to run smoothly, including those affecting court matters.

A general council meeting was held at the Besson Street Police Station last Friday, February 11th, at which the officers told members of the Police Social and Welfare Association of their intention and voted to stay away from work again on Monday. At the meeting, a spokesman said, a decision was also taken that officers would not work any extra duty for the Carnival, including on “Fantastic Friday”. But expressing confidence that the majority of officers would take up duty, Williams added that members of the public fail to recognise and appreciate the high level of loyalty in the police service.

Last Tuesday, hundreds of police officers in North, Central and East stayed away from their jobs, dissatisfied with wage negotiations and recent comments made by Gibbs. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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