Chamber supports veto power

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce yesterday said it does not support the Opposition UNC’s view that the Prime Minister’s power to veto the appointments of persons to top police posts should be abolished. In a statement, the chamber said its view on the matter had been erroneously reported in the press. The chamber said that on January 26, three of its directors met with Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and two other Opposition representatives “at their invitation” to discuss the Police Reform Bills and proposed amendments to the legislation.

The Chamber indicated, contrary to statements made in the press by Panday after that meeting, that “no one felt that the Prime Minister should retain the veto,” no such position was presented by the chamber. “The issue of prime ministerial veto over top posts in the Police Service was raised by the Opposition team. However, the chamber’s position was neither presented nor discussed,” the chamber stated. The chamber then indicated its opinion on the matter. “The Prime Minister’s veto power should be retained but should be exercised within an established time frame that is reasonable.”

The issue of the prime minister’s veto power over the appointment of the police commissioner and other top officials in the Public Service is the main obstacle in Government/Opposition talks to pass the Police Reform Bills and other pieces of anti-crime legislation in Parliament. Prime Minister Patrick Manning said on Tuesday that Government has noticed a change in the Opposition’s attitudes towards the talks, but is determined to ensure the success of those negotiations. Panday said the Opposition remains committed to the talks and is not setting conditions for their continuance. The chamber urged the Government and Opposition “to remain committed to the process.”