Former national security minister Subhas Panday yesterday called on acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to promote, posthumously, murdered police sergeant Hayden Manwaring to the rank of inspector.
Panday said prior to Manwaring's death, he was in the process of mounting a legal challenge against the service for bypassing him for promotion.Sadly, he said, Manwaring was shot and killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, before the constitutional motion could be filed.
Panday called on Williams to rescind his decision not to promote Manwaring, in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice. "Sgt Hayden Manwaring died a disappointed man. He was disappointed and depressed because of the way the police service has treated him.
"He was hurting at the time of his death. He believed he was being treated unfairly and taken advantage of, but yet the man went out and performed his duty over and beyond."Panday said Manwaring, who headed the San Fernando Robbery Squad, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in September 2010.
After he completed the 12-month probationary period, Manwaring was interviewed in October 2011 for promotion to the rank of inspector, he said.However, Panday said, two months later Manwaring received a letter from Williams, the chairman of the board, saying the interview had been an error because the board was convened on December 6, 2010, before Manwaring finished his 12-month probation.
"In the circumstances, you are ineligible to be considered for promotion to the rank of police inspector," the letter said. Panday said he wrote to Williams in March and June last year "begging" him to rescind his decision.
However, he said Williams did not reply to either one.Panday said he was supposed to meet with Manwaring on Ash Wednesday to discuss filing the constitutional motion, but Manwaring was busy with work."He was so dedicated to his job that he could never find time to see about his personal business."
Calling on Williams to promote Manwaring posthumously and retroactively, Panday said, "That is the least they could do for his family."In order that Manwaring's death should not be in vain, he called on the police service to put its house in order "to avoid further discrimination against police officers in terms of promotion."
Panday also called on Williams to ensure Manwaring's wife and children were justly compensated.
Posthumous promotioncannot be done
Acting CoP Stephen Williams said the law did not allow for posthumous promotion. "There is nothing like posthumous promotions in the T&T Police Service," said Williams.However, he said there was an Injury Act which allows the families of police who die in the line of duty to receive compensation.
He added that Manwaring's wife would be entitled to all his benefits.Describing Manwaring as an exceptional officer and a top performer, Williams said, "We feel a major loss and pain, and at this point in time we are willing to provide all the assistance we could to his wife and children."
Agreeing with Williams, president of the Police Social and Welfare Association Sgt Anand Ramesar said a posthumous promotion was not possible."We understand what triggered Mr Panday's sentiments, the value the officer made to the service, but the association recognises that it cannot be done," he said.