Elizabeth Gonzales
Tobago Correspondent
Tobagonians have expressed mixed views on the controversy surrounding Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher.
While some believe she was “set up” and view the situation as unfair, they also welcome the potential appointment of DCP Junior Benjamin, a Tobagonian, to act as head of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
Benjamin is one of two names put forward by the Police Service Commission for parliamentary consideration to act as commissioner while Harewood-Christopher is on suspension, pending the outcome of an investigation.
Those who Guardian Media spoke with on the island said they hoped this change led to improved security and safety for Tobago. Vendor Dolton Joseph described the situation as unfortunate.
“It’s the middle of a State of Emergency, and we have a situation like this. But let’s see where this goes. She has a right to defend herself, just as the State has a right to bring a case if they have one.”
Joseph said he was not too concerned about Benjamin’s Tobagonian roots, as long as he was capable. “The fact that he’s Tobagonian or not doesn’t matter much to me. What matters is whether he is capable. He has been in charge of operations for quite a while, which is a good position in the service. I’m hoping that if he does get the nod, his experience and professionalism will win out.”
Another man, who gave his name only as Morrison, believes the commissioner was used and discarded. “I think they just used the woman for a while, and now that they’ve gotten what they wanted, they’re getting rid of her.” Despite this, he is eager to see what Benjamin will do for Tobago.
“I just hope he does the work he’s supposed to do—the right thing—so that people can consider him as the commissioner,” he said. A Mason Hall resident who only identified himself as Keitho condemned the way Harewood-Christopher was being treated.
“She was set up. She didn’t know what was happening. And if I could quote former commissioner of police Gary Griffith, she was put in a position she couldn’t handle.” He believes the situation is driven by rank and favouritism.
Still, he hopes whoever takes up the position improves security on the island. “Whoever becomes commissioner of police, I’m looking forward to seeing better security in Tobago because crime is getting out of hand. Long ago, we had no crime, but as things developed, things changed. They need to get a handle on this.”
Afisha Als of Bon Accord believes this was a sign that Harewood-Christopher needed to be removed. “She didn’t make any kind of sense whatsoever. We don’t see her anywhere on the field. I prefer they bring back (former commissioner of police) Gary Griffith. He made more sense to everybody.
“I want to see him improve the officers because, at the end of the day, they do their jobs, but they can’t do everything alone—they need support.”
Scarborough resident Jhevon Jackson described the situation as unfair. “It looks like they tried to manoeuvre things and squeeze down on her. It’s not fair. She got the position, and you can’t just take it away like that. They needed solid evidence—not just to convince the police, but to convince us as Tobagonians—that she’s unfit for office.” However, Jackson was optimistic about Benjamin’s potential appointment. “I want him to bring back Tobago to what it used to be. We want Tobago to be the paradise it once was, and I can’t wait to see that. I can’t wait for him to step in and make things happen.”