Mr. Allister Guevarro will be Trinidad and Tobago’s next Police Commissioner.
His nomination received support from both the Government and Opposition benches in the Lower House of Parliament on Friday.
During her contribution to the debate, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC said the government will follow the law. She accused the previous administration of subverting the process to appoint a Commissioner of Police.
“Every time a notification was brought, the member is not telling us oh they will support it, all is well and good, very nice sweet words, when every time a notification came here, what did they do? They take the top from the list and they put it on the bottom. The Prime Minister ran to President’s House grab the merit list, that has to be, grab the merit list, grab the merit list, and so public confidence really, really has fallen to an all time low in the TTPS.”
Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, moved the motion during his maiden contribution in the Parliament.
He identified Mr. Guevarro as a seasoned professional and patriot in the public service, with experience in covert operations, intelligence, and counter terrorism.
Minister Alexander noted that the appointment of the Police Commissioner will strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and leadership in the Police Service.
“This should never be a political exercise as was done in the past. This motion is not simply about affirming the name put forward by the Police Service Commission, it’s about safeguard, and public interest, ensuring the stability of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”