Rowley’s muscle-flexing

Over the last two days, the Prime Minister has been flexing his muscles. He has sought to take charge in a highly visible way.

“I propose to take a direct interest in overseeing a comprehensive review of the way in which community policing functions are introduced within the Police Service,” the Prime Minister said on Sunday. “There is too much confusion, too much dysfunctionality and outright failure at the many layers at the top to expect the best in the middle and at the base.” Though the Prime Minister chose his words very carefully, making it plain that he is concerned with a review of the system and not playing a direct hand in police detection, in practice both things are interrelated. If the system is bogged down by malaise, then officers will not function to their fullest capacity.

Still, the move is a risky one because of the mandate of the Police Service Commission. That independent institution appears to be on the chopping block, judging from the plan to establish a police inspectorate as well as public remarks by Rowley.

The Prime Minister, however, fell short yesterday of taking over the role of Minister of National Security, possibly sensing the risk of entangling the Office of the Prime Minister further in a crime fight for which no end as yet is in sight.

Yet yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle was again a signal of a desire on the part of Rowley to take charge and manage the nation’s affairs with the help of people whom he trusts to deliver.

The Cabinet changes are not shocking. They address a dire need for strong management of several key areas. Nicole Olivierre despite her best efforts had sometimes come across as being overwhelmed by the struggles of the energy sector, and Ancil Antoine had been repeatedly complained about by trade unions for failing to have dialogue with them.

Installing Franklin Khan to the Energy Ministry post may speak to his experience in the energy sector.

And keeping Fitzgerald Hinds in a top ministry, Public Utilities, again suggests Rowley is sticking with those he can count on. Hinds’ tenure in Works and Transport saw the successful introduction of speed guns, though questions emerged over the state of the Public Service Transport Corporation bus stock.

While some may have thought Edmund Dillon would have been out, the Prime Minister on Sunday gave a sign that was not going to happen. Rowley spoke of the plans he has discussed with Dillon about the renewed community policing initiative, a programme to be rolled out with the support of the Office of the Prime Minister and Rowley personally.

The first Rowley reshuffle has rewarded some: the PNM’s Deputy Leader Rohan Sinanan and San Fernando Mayor Karim Hosein.

This can be seen as bringing new talent to the forefront. Hosein, in particular, has certainly been proactive at the local government level in San Fernando.

Stuart Young’s bolstered role in the Office of the Prime Minister is an interesting sign of confidence.

Many will breathe a sigh of relief now that Rowley has effectively ended speculation over Marlene McDonald by not returning her to the post which he removed her from. Had the Prime Minister done so, he would have opened himself to criticism. In the end he has opted not to distract from his other appointments.

With a clear will demonstrated, it nonetheless remains to be seen whether results will ensue, particularly with two elections coming up. The electorate will decide if the changes are sexy enough.