PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, CMC—Following the Excessive Courtroom’s resolution to quash the outcomes of the latest police promotional examinations, Performing Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin met with affected officers to debate the subsequent steps and guaranteed them that their issues could be thought-about in figuring out the subsequent steps.
Justice Frank Seepersad’s ruling overturned the promotion course of for inspectors and ordered the police to restart it. On Friday, Commissioner Benjamin straight engaged with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) impacted by that call.
Addressing the officers, he stated, “Instantly after studying of the judgment, I knew it was necessary to fulfill with you as a result of, in my a few years of service, I do know that individuals don’t care how a lot except they understand how a lot you care; and I need you to know that the manager of the TTPS cares.”
Benjamin assured them their issues could be central to any resolution. “Our subsequent steps in coping with this matter will consider how you’re feeling in addition to what is going to deliver probably the most profit to the group,” he added.
Gideon Dickson, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Affiliation (TTPSSWA), who’s amongst these affected by the ruling, acknowledged the tough place of officers nearing retirement.
“I perceive that some officers near retirement could age out of the method, however the resolution we make at this time isn’t only for us, however for these coming after us,” he stated.
Dickson counseled Commissioner Benjamin for his engagement with the officers. He famous that whereas they had been dissatisfied with the court docket’s resolution, they appreciated the management’s concern and willingness to pay attention.
In his ruling on a case difficult the equity and legality of the TTPS promotion course of, Justice Seepersad declared the system essentially flawed and invalid, stating that it undermined merit-based ideas and violated police service legal guidelines.
He highlighted a number of critical points, together with routinely awarding “excellent” grades to all candidates with out correct efficiency evaluations and failing to implement the required 50 p.c go mark for the qualifying examination.
