Unjust treatment towards CoP Snaggs

THE EDITOR: After Police Commissioner Hilton Guy reached 60 years in July 2003, Everald Snaggs could be Commissioner of Police for a maximum of 12 months only, since Snaggs also becomes 60 years in July 2004 or thereabout. Snaggs had acted as CoP on 27 previous occasions, enough for Mr Manning to decide on Snaggs’ suitability, and whether he should approve or veto the recommendation of the Police Service Commission. This should have been Manning’s priority - but he was busy looking for a monument grand enough to contain all of his ego. Finally, after six months further scrutiny, Manning decides that Snaggs is the man for the job. But I think that Manning did Snaggs a grave injustice. In the midst of an uncontrolled crime scenario never witnessed in TT before, Manning sends Snaggs into battle signalling to the nation that he lacks confidence in him.

Snaggs went in to battle limping and bruised.  Manning is also credited with a statement suggesting that Snaggs might perform better if acting, so that he will work harder to prove himself. Such is the management style of our Prime Minister who heads a Cabinet of 24 Ministers. So Snaggs has just six more months left after his announced appointment. Senator Wade Mark has raised fire and brimstone accusing Manning of politicising Snaggs’s appointment, and indeed he is justified. Manning does not make the appointment, he only has power to object or approve. But I suspect that by humiliating Snaggs for six months, he ensured that Snaggs would raise no objection to his Brigadier-led team of crime fighters who report only to Manning. I further suspect that Snaggs will have the last laugh, as crime fighting will be in chaos, with each side fighting for the kudos, and ascribing blame to the other side. Congratulations CoP Everald Snaggs. Go in peace. Enjoy your retirement!

MICHAEL J WILLIAMS
Maracas