Given the constraints of space last week, this column was unable to offer some critically constructive comments on the impending possible fallout of Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Nizam Mohammed's action a few weeks ago.The collective and harmonised decision by both Ministers Sandy and Panday, to have all prison officers searched is a sober reminder that no one is above the law, even in the highest position of the land, especially in these times of intense criminal activities.
Other organs of the nation's security that are apparently faced with fraudulent and corrupt activities need to have special oversight and monitoring mechanisms that will seek to safeguard national security matters and not compromise the security interests of the national as well as upholding and honouring our international obligations.
As manifested in the prisons service, both Ministers Sandy and Panday may need to learn quickly of how their other bureaucratic machinery functions and to not only identify and recognise the existing corrosive activities that prejudice national security, but execute the dynamics of removal and prosecution so that government's initiative of improved service and security may be realised. The Prime Minister's prerogative to transfer Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Boucaud-Blake ought not to detract from her professionalism, diligence and hard work over the years, as these same characteristics can be applied to any other ministry. Yet, the forthcoming Permanent Secretary, Cheryl Blackman having acquired a wealth of expertise in different ministries, including the Ministry of the Attorney General, may also bring salient and critical knowledge to a rather complex bureaucratic machinery. Who knows whether this change may spark the genesis of a new order in national security?
PS Commission Chairman
The People's Partnership's mantra of transparency and accountability in its governance has come under vigorous public scrutiny in the pending predicament of Chairman of the Police Service, the learnt and respected Nizam Mohammed. Bearing in mind that the two special reserve police officers complaints were dismissed, Chairman Mohammed should be pondering the unintended consequences of his actions as it may have adverse legal ramifications, political fallout, societal implications and unbearable pressure being exerted on Commissioner Gibbs.
If the newspapers accounts of the much bandied about Chairman's perceived approach of ' above the law' vs police officers acting within their lawful mandate of enforcing their duties, are accurate, then the possible ramifications may provide cannon fodder for the Opposition. The PP may wish to consider the decisions taken by former Ministers Franklyn Khan and Eric Williams when they were once charged for alleged acts of corruption, and members of the Integrity Commission who resigned their positions.
There may be no longer a need for Chairman Mohammed complaints about 'police rudeness.' Should he choose to resign, it will demonstrate that the PP government means business with law and order and will certainly enhance and promote the faces of transparency and accountability. Should Chairman Nizam Mohammed choose to remain, it may not be a good recipe for supporting democracy, responsible government or the rule of law. Did the Chairman realise the sphere of influence that his alleged action would have caused? His alleged course of conduct occurred at a critical juncture, when the same body he presides over has been facing a mounting deluge of public criticism in contending with the exacerbating crime predicament in this twin-island republic. How will his decision impact on the entire Police Service?
At best, remaining in that position may tarnish his reputation, and at worst, it may serve as a prescription for the abuse of power. Perhaps the most challenging question to Chairman Mohammed is "what would a reasonable person do in his circumstances? As the saying goes, "to whom much is given, much is expected." In Trinidad and Tobago, resignation is a "unique" word, and whereas we talk a lot about transparency, accountability and respect, yet when a crisis develops, it appears that position and power trumps over human decency, dignity and principle. This is quite unlike decisions taken by public officials in the UK, US, Canada and in mature democracies.
New Immigration Act
Having researched the immigration and asylum policies of the UK, USA and Canada at the doctoral level, it would be a travesty of justice if our immigration policies were not published for public use. All these three above mentioned countries, inclusive of New Zealand and Australia have their policies published for domestic and international public consumption, and for those who practiced in the fields of immigration and refugee law. Since our country's immigration legislation is patterned after Canada's Immigration of 1952, there is a compelling need to incorporate all the requisite governmental policies, its objectives and how these policies and objectives are to be implemented.
In this respect, much work has been untaken by the International Affairs Unit of the Ministry of National Security in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration. With the advent of the People's Partnership government, there is yet to be an accepted immigration policy for publication. But do we need such an Immigration Policy? The answer is inevitably yes, as the exigencies of national and international trends, for example, globalisation, necessitates such a policy. Without such an established policy, any official can then make their own policy. However, it is the government of the day that makes policies and public officials may contribute to such an endeavour, but their cardinal role is to implement such a policy.To be continued next week...Devising a new immigration policy to contend with globalisation, national economy, transnational offending and international obligations.
To be continued next week