By NALINEE SEELAL Saturday, January 26 2008

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul said yesterday he has no problem with the decision by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) to hire a new orchestra for the Calypso Fiesta semi-final.

“TUCO is an organisation that has the right to use whichever band they decide.” said the Commissioner.

He was responding to the decision by TUCO on Tuesday to not use the Police Band for the Calypso Fiesta semi-final which takes place today.

Kelly Green and the Harmony Band, which TUCO had previously used to provide accompaniment for such shows as the extempo competition, replaces the police band.

The letter sent by TUCO to the police band advised that the band would not be hired this year because of Commissioner Paul’s decision to recall officers given special leave for sporting activities in a bid to boost the already depleted manpower in the police service.

However, upset members of the police band said that TUCO misinterpreted the recent decision by Commissioner Paul, and added that at no time did the Commissioner indicate he was planning, or had plans to give instructions to members of the police band not to participate in carnival shows.

They added that something was not right with the decision taken by TUCO, and added that TUCO should have done the responsible thing by contacting the Commissioner before making such a decision.

On the issue of retired ex-woman corporal Marjorie John to refusing to sing at Thursday’s police calypso show at the Police Museum because of Paul’s recall to officers in sports, the Commissioner said, “I may not be in agreement but I respect her views.”

Paul was absent from the show but sent his Assistant Police Commissioner Maurice Piggott to represent him.