PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Monday stated that the title of the previous prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley had not been positioned on an INTERPOL Watch Checklist and that it stays “dedicated to defending the rights and dignity of all residents, and can proceed to supply clear, factual updates because the matter develops”.
Rowley advised a information convention earlier that he had been detained and questioned upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda whereas en path to Montserrat final week.
“This isn’t only a mistake, it’s a deliberate, calculated try and tarnish my title on a world stage,” Rowley advised a information convention, including, “it’s state-sponsored slander”.
Rowley, who stated he was surprised to study that Trinidad and Tobago authorities could have triggered his title to be flagged internationally, has since referred to as on each Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to point what function they performed in having his title positioned on the INTERPOL watch checklist.
In an announcement, the TTPS stated that it had “taken observe of current public statements” by Rowley, who alleges that he was flagged on an INTERPOL watch checklist throughout his current travels.
The TTPS stated that in calling upon nationwide authorities, together with the Commissioner of Police, for an evidence, it suggests “that his placement was not misguided, however slightly a calculated try and defame him on the worldwide stage.
“In gentle of those assertions, the TTPS, by means of its INTERPOL Bureau, promptly initiated a evaluate of inside techniques. Complete checks had been performed throughout INTERPOL’s safe databases, which yielded a definitive end result: Dr Rowley isn’t listed on any INTERPOL watch checklist or worldwide discover.
“No alerts, flags, or warrants are related along with his title in INTERPOL’s techniques. Furthermore, the TTPS confirms that it has neither submitted nor triggered to be submitted any data to INTERPOL that may justify such an inventory. There isn’t a document, directive, or procedural motion from any division throughout the TTPS that helps the allegation of native involvement within the matter,” the TTPS stated.
It acknowledged that it is important to make clear the character of INTERPOL’s governance, noting that the group operates below rigorous protocols that require judicial documentation or formal prosecutorial requests for any particular person to be listed.
“These procedures are managed solely by means of every member state’s Nationwide Central Bureau. The Commissioner of Police doesn’t maintain the authority so as to add or take away people from INTERPOL techniques unilaterally. Such actions are ruled by worldwide authorized requirements, not home discretion.
“Regarding the suggestion of political interference or state-sponsored defamation, the TTPS firmly maintains its place as an unbiased and apolitical establishment. No proof has emerged indicating that the organisation, or any of its members, has participated in politically motivated conduct concerning Dr Rowley.”
The TTPS stated it “urges accountable dialogue within the public sphere, particularly when reputational hurt and institutional belief are at stake.
“ Whereas public scrutiny and transparency are important to democratic processes, it’s equally vital that commentary is grounded in verified truth. The TTPS stays dedicated to defending the rights and dignity of all residents, and can proceed to supply clear, factual updates because the matter develops,” it added.
In the course of the information convention, Rowley advised reporters, “If this may be finished to a former prime minister, think about what will be finished to the common citizen”.
