When the alleged traffic violation involving former chairman of the Police Service Commission, Nizam Mohammed occurred, I suggested that given his wealth of experience, stature in politics and the legal profession, he should have seriously weighed the particular circumstances of this matter.It was necessary, in light of the population's mandate for change, as evidenced in the outcome of the May 24, 2010 general election.
Furthermore, given his national experience Mr Mohammed may certainly concur that our society is fraught with lawlessness, indiscipline, and everywhere it appears as if corruption is overwhelming the country. As a matter of fact, the very system of religious principles which helped shape and form the foundation and framework of social life appears to be weakened. Against this background, Mr Mohammed should have considered whether it was a prudent decision to demit office gracefully. The decision to remain led to public dissatisfaction and ensuing calls for his removal by a non-governmental organisation.
As public pressure mounted for his resignation over the traffic violation, Mr Mohammed subsequently chose to make some disconcerting revelations about ethnic balance in the upper echelons of the Police Service.This incurred the wrath of the populace and the displeasure of the honourable Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mr Mohammed was eventually removed from office. Despite his removal, there are significant allegations of employment related discrimination that can be raised with the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Principles of resignations
Our culture is not one that favours resignation. There is a defiant approach to this matter. A rare exception is that of the case of former minister of works and transport, Franklyn Khan. Recent examples include the resignation of former Japanese foreign minister, Seiji Maehara.According to the BBC news of March 6, 2011, "Maehara resigned after being criticised for accepting a political donation from a foreign national."Furthermore, it is reported that "Japanese law bans the practice if done intentionally, and the Opposition had called on him to quit."
Maehara apologised to the Japanese people after serving only six months. His behaviour in public office provoked distrust over a problem of political funding.Another example of political resignation on March 1, 2011 came from former German defence minister, Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg, and the country's most popular politician, over allegations that he plagiarised his doctoral thesis. Thousands of German academics and some law professors called for his removal, and Bayreuth University stripped him of his doctoral title.
Significance ofequal opportunities
While segments of the population would be pleased with President Richard's decision to remove Nizam Mohammed, many are of the view that he was perhaps sacrificed on the hypocritical altar of public pressure and political expediency. Sacrificed for statements that may have been publicly interpreted as engendering racial discord and harmony. Mohammed's dismissal should not be characterised as a one sided affair, as if systemic, institutional and other subtle measures of direct, indirect employment and promotional discrimination do not exist in all aspects in both the private and public sectors. Quite the opposite, as time and cases will reveal.
The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) is now dealing with such matters, investigating potential cases of this nature. To facilitate and enhance the process, it is also important for the PP Government to ensure that in order for the mandate of the EOC to be fully operational, there must be an appointed registrar. This process to appoint one thus far, appears to be quite tardy. In some ways it can aggravate and prolong the discriminatory process. Since this EOC portfolio falls within the ambit of the Attorney General, I believe the AG will address the matter with the appropriate authorities so that the EOC can be optimally functional.
Transformationalchange and Gibbs
Do we honestly expect a sudden and major transformation in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service under the command of Commissioner Gibbs? Can Commissioner Gibbs eliminate the scourges of transnational organised crimes that may be responsible for so many murders on one hand, and yet multiplying the assets and property acquisition of those allegedly involved? While the society is yearning for less crimes and meaningful changes, the will to change must be part of the public's mandate, as well as every serving police officer.Can Gibbs stamp his authority on an ill-disciplined society that is prone to lawlessness? Did he have an opportunity to do so in the Nizam Mohammed incident?
Regardless of Mohammed's position as chairman, Commissioner Gibbs had a wonderful opportunity to stamp his authority and demonstrate support for the rule of law and his officers when the traffic violation involving Mohammed occurred. He did not. In ways reminiscent of the Prime Minister in the Reshmi Ramnarine fiasco, he decided to close the case, rather than sending it perhaps to the DPP for advice.
Was it because Mohammed was his boss? Was there any interference by the political directorate? Was it fear of losing the handsome financial package? What would Commissioner Gibbs have done had the same situation happened in Edmonton, Alberta? Had Commissioner Gibbs taken a firm stance in this matter, he would have won national respect and support. He would have showed that he means business and that no one is above the law.