Blunders on parade by SRPs

THE EDITOR: Permit my indulgence on behalf of the Special Reserve Officers (SRPs). I endorse a recent article on behalf of SRPs submitted by a Mr Hayden Murray, and printed in this newspaper about a month ago. With the 1,000 SRPs who are being enlisted to boost the strength of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, I strongly urge the Commissioner of Police Mr Everald Snaggs to upgrade the limited training of these soon-to-be-officers, who are expected to serve their country.

In most instances SRPs carry out the functions of their counterparts in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) with none of the benefits and recognition. One such function is the Independence parade. It is painful to look at the many blunders by these Special Reserve officers. On the other hand they cannot be expected to adequately carry out a function that was never taught them. It is however not the SRPs who should feel terrible, but the institution responsible for training them. Mr Commissioner, would you please put some measures in place as regards foot-drill for Special Reserve officers or please do not embarrass the young men and women as well as the rest of the Police Service by making their appearance on the Independence parade mandatory.

On another note, while on the topic of the Independence parade, it would be noteworthy that the defence official responsible for commenting during TTT’s live broadcast should be aware that the unarmed contingent of police officers of the second half of the parade consisted of the City Police and the Special Reserve Police. This is a fact that Brigadier Carl Alfonzo should be aware of given his vast experience as regards the Independence Parade.

KAREN SYLVESTER
Arima