The way is now clear for the 2025 executive elections of the Police Social and Welfare Association, this according to Vice President ASP Ishmael Pitt.
Last year a court injunction halted voting over a challenge to Assistant Commissioner Anand Ramesar's eligibility to contest the Presidency, having previously served as President and General Secretary.
00:00The Trinidad and Tobago Police Social and Welfare Association can now move forward with scheduling a new date for its executive elections.
00:10In August, Justice Frank Cepesad delivered a ruling that settled a legal challenge brought by the members running under the voices in blue slate over the suitability of ACP Anand Ramessar to contest.
00:25He ruled that Ramessar took a hiatus from the association after finishing a term as secretary in 2019 and as such he can now seek to be elected once again as president.
00:39ASP Pitt tells us a meeting will be held soon on the next move.
00:43Key stakeholders from the different parties that are vying for the executive positions within the association executive met with the election committee two Fridays ago and based on the discussions we will be having a general council meeting on Friday to determine the way forward and to determine the next election date.
01:09Voices in blue had previously challenged the participation of special reserve and municipal police officers arguing it violated the association's constitution and exceeded the mandate of the police service act.
01:24On Monday ASP Ishmael Pitt also weighed in saying prior to the ruling the association had confirmed all participants were eligible.
01:34To just reiterate the judgment, one, that special reserve police officers can be represented by the Toronto Vega Police Service, Social and Welfare Association, municipal officers, transit officers, and this is something that they didn't have to go to the court to eventually find out.
01:57We have been saying this from day one.
01:59When asked about the Minister of Homeland Security's warning to officers who appear unwilling to follow the new leadership of the police service, letting them know they can be replaced if they no longer wish to perform their duties, ASP Pitt says.
02:15While there have been whispers, it is important to remember that despite the critical nature of their roles, officers are human too, which is often overlooked.
02:26Any organization, as I would say, would be impacted by, you know, personality issues and other issues.
02:35And the police service is no different.
02:37The issue, as I said before, or what is, should be the area of focus is how we are able to manage it and go forward.
02:44And, you know, you know, sometimes it could just be a misunderstanding on an issue, it could just be a difference in view.
02:52And, you know, based on someone's background, based on their levels of maturity, based on their levels of professionalism, it could be interpreted in the most negative of ways.
03:02ASP Pitt notes that he is not confirming any specific issues were raised with the association, but rather emphasizing a practical point, that police officers are human and, like anyone else, are affected by emotions and other personal factors.
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