Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission Guyson Mayers has weighed in on the contentious appointment of a second Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Mayers, who presided over a commission that was taken to court regarding appointments and saw the departure of Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin, said today that persons who are adversely affected by questionable decisions must be prepared to defend themselves.
While not identifying Oral Williams who was appointed as the second deputy in contravention of the Police Act, Mayers noted that the matter needed clarity.
Currently, Erwin Boyce also serves as Deputy Commissioner of Police.
“Others have already spoken eloquently on the legality of appointment to a nonexistent post. Persons who are adversely affected by questionable decisions must be prepared to defend themselves. Although I might have missed it, I am sure that the post was advertised and applications considered after interview as is required by the Public Service Act,” he stated.
“I am relieved to hear that the relevant Commission [Protective Services Commission] intends to speak to this matter. That is the best entity to clear up the issue,” Mayers told Barbados TODAY this evening.
In a more conciIiatory tone, Mayers, a former police officer, acknowledged his long association with the Royal Barbados Police Force, saying he wished the organisation well.
“I would wish to do nothing to take that organisation back to the days of divided administration and loyalties,” he said. The force was embroiled in litigation by police officers against being left off a promotion list and also faced challenges by Dottin against his removal from office.
Mayers, an attorney-at-law however went on to question the impact the appointment of Williams would have on the smooth operations of the force.
“I do not know how much thought went into the idea of having two Deputy Commissioners of Police and how it may affect the smooth running of the force. I do not know whether administrative continuity was considered, in light of the similar ages of the new Deputy and the current Commissioner. Speculation is rife as to whether there is a larger plan afoot and observers are anticipating contractual arrangements. I would not wish to add to that speculation,” the former Police Service Commission head declared.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
