Slowe stands by statements about Presidential interference

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Asst. Commissioner Paul Slowe is not budging from his position that the President attempted to influence the work of the Police Service Commission to get specific officers promoted in the Police Force.

In response to the President’s denial of attempting to influence the work of the Commission and get people promoted, Mr. Slowe through his Attorney said he stands by his statements.

“My client wishes to advise that he stands resolutely by the truth of the statements made and all revelations and disclosures therein,” Attorney Selwyn Pieters said this morning.

During a press conference earlier this week, Mr. Slowe alleged that President Irfaan Ali, contacted him directly inquiring why “his people” were not on the Police Force’s promotion list. The President was referring to Senior Superintendents Fazil Karimbaksh and Calvin Brutus.

Slowe said he explained to the President that he could not promote the two Senior Superintendents to the rank of Assistant Commissioner because they had pending disciplinary matters before the PSC.

Slowe said the President was not happy with that response and pointed to other officers who were promoted.

President Ali and his People’s Progressive Party have shot down the statements by Slowe. The President, however, did not deny contacting Police Service Commission Chairman.

“All his communications with His Excellency are properly documented. The various press statements are unresponsive to evidence presented by Mr. Paul Slowe. His evidence is in an affidavit,” Mr. Slowe’s Attorney said.

Slowe said he is anxiously awaiting the Affidavit of his Excellency in response to his.

He said he is also looking forward to the process of examination and cross-examination, the presenting of direct and circumstantial evidence, and all the hallmarks of a fair and impartial court/tribunal process for adjudication of these matters.

The former Assistant Commissioner who currently heads the Police Service Commission was recently charged along with other retired and senior officers for fraud conspiracy.

The charges are in relation to payments they received from the Police Force for the revision of the Police Force’s Standing Orders.

Slowe and the other Officers have all denied the charges, and Slowe has said the decision to file charges is clearly a response to his decision not to support the promotion of some senior officers.