PORT-OF-SPAIN – The controversial issue of selecting Trinidad’s first substantive commissioner of police in almost two years has finally come to an end.Parliament on Friday approved the nomination of Canadian Dwayne Gibbs as the country’s police commissioner.The 25 government Members of Parliament (MPs) who were in the House of Representatives voted in favour of Gibbs. The ten opposition MPs present abstained.Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Laventille East/ Morvant MP Donna Cox were the opposition members who were absent. Cox was not in parliament, while Manning never returned to the House after the sitting resumed around 5 p.m.Justice minister Herbert Volney, minister in the ministry of tourism, Dr Delmon Baker, deputy speaker Dr Fuad Khan, and foreign affairs minister Surujrattan Rambachan were the four government MPs who were absent during the vote.Rowley called on government to first ensure the validity of Gibbs’ certification before he was selected for the post. However, Dr Roodal Moonilal, the leader of government business in the House, refuted Rowley’s claims.The approval of Gibbs’ nomination comes almost two years after top cop Trevor Paul demitted office.Paul left office on July 4, 2008. James Philbert has acted in the position since Paul’s resignation.
