Top Cop Guy denies ‘sick out’ at VMCOTT

Police Commissioner Hilton Guy yesterday denied a newspaper report that officers of the Anti-Crime Task Force have embarked on a sick out to protest their working arrangements.

In a release yesterday, the CoP claimed that police officers attached to the Inter-Agency Anti-Crime Task Force, based at VMCOTT at Beetham Estate, are disturbed about a report in a daily newspaper which stated that they are participating in sick-out/strike action. According to the release, officers of the protective services who comprise this task force have been patrolling Morvant/Laventille and its environs in an attempt to strike at the heart of crime in those areas. Guy added that as with any new initiative, there are some issues that he and his executive officers have been addressing with the Social and Welfare Association, but the issue of strike action has not been mentioned or considered by his officers. The Commissioner assured the national community that his officers would continue to work assiduously to provide a high level of service to them. He appealed to the community to continue to support the efforts of the protective services.

Checks with the officers at VMCOTT revealed that they want duties changed so that they work 24 hours and then be allowed 48 hours leave. They added that while they are not involved in any sick out action, if their demands are not met then they will be forced to take action. Newsday learned that additional manpower will be introduced to the unit shortly, which will ensure that officers get their two days’ leave. Senior officers explained yesterday that they are intent on putting a stop to criminal activities in Laventille, and this can only be achieved through the commitment and hard work of officers involved in the anti-crime plan.