Philbert in, Paul outBy Onika James Friday, July 4 2008
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Trevor Paul...
Today is Police Commissioner Trevor Paul’s last day in office.
Paul vacates the post today and is expected to hand over the leadership of the service to Assistant Commissioner of Police James Philbert, who will act until a new Police Commissioner is appointed.
Paul’s official retirement date was November 9, 2007, however he had been asked to stay on for one additional year as the top cop.
When contacted yesterday for comment on his last day in office, Paul said, “I am not doing any interviews. Let me go in peace.”
According to senior police officials, Paul’s decision to break his extension before November is expected to put additional pressure on the Government to get debate moving in Parliament on the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police (CoP).
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has nominated Snr Supt Stephen Williams and the House of Representatives is expected to begin debate today on whether or not to appoint him as CoP.
It is unclear whether Prime Minister Patrick Manning will be present for the debate, since he is attending the Caricom Heads of Government Conference in Antigua.
His return will depend largely on the agenda of the conference.
Last week, the PSC appointed Philbert to act as CoP.
Philbert, 59, was one of three persons short listed to be Paul’s successor along with Williams and retired New York Police Department Police Captain Louis Vega.
Philbert who has 41 years in the service is to take up the top cop position from tomorrow.
Speaking briefly with Newsday yesterday, Philbert said, “This is the opportune time. The entire population is uptight, and we know why. People want something to happen and something has to happen soon.
“There is a raging war and something needs to be done now.”
