Statement to the House concerning the Commissioner of Police

By Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA

8 December 2014

Madam Speaker,

I and the government are very conscious of the concerns relating to the performance of the Commissioner of Police and of the calls by members of this House and others for him to be removed from office. Indeed, one member of this House has gone as far as to threaten to bring a motion to have the House declare its lack of confidence in the Commissioner. While I and others have grave doubts about the constitutionality of any such motion, it is an example of the strength of feeling in relation to the Commissioner. Despite the emotive nature of this matter, I urge all members of the House to exercise restraint in what is said and done in relation to this issue and to not act pre-emptively. If we act in haste we are likely to repent at our own expense.

The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and does not fall under the remit of the elected Government. Her Excellency is currently out of office and will not return until next Monday. I ask all members of this House to exercise patience to enable me to discuss this matter with Her Excellency the Governor and to give her the opportunity to address the concerns raised.

Thank you.

IMAGE: RCIPS Commissioner David Baines