PORT-OF-SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) has expressed outrage over proposed salaries of close to TT$3 million a year for the country’s next commissioner of police Dwayne Gibbs and incoming deputy commissioner of police, fellow Canadian Jack Ewatski.Members of the public have also expressed their disgust with the salaries, saying they are too high and the Government should reconsider the figures. Up to late Friday evening, the story which was carried on the website of the Express netted more than 400 comments, 99 per cent of which opposed the remuneration packages.
Once cabinet approves the pay packets for both men it means Gibbs will take home a salary of TT$132 916 a month and Ewatski TT$106 333, making them the highest paid commissioners in the history of the Police Service.Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert, who is scheduled to demit office next month, is paid a salary of TT$40 000, while deputies Stephan Williams and Maurice Piggott are paid TT$31 000.According to information posted on the Canadian Human Resource and Skills Development website, Gibbs, a retired chief superintendent of police in Alberta, Canada, would have been paid an average monthly salary of $10 000 Canadian dollars, which today is equivalent to an average TT$60 000. No information was available for salaries regarding Ewatski’s position as former chief of police in the Winnipeg Police Service in Manitoba, Canada.
President of the Police Association Anand Ramesar described the proposals as a slap in the face for members of the Police Service, who have expressed grave concern about the situation. He said the police had a three-year salary negotiation outstanding and were operating under 2007 salaries. Should the Government decide to pay Gibbs and Ewatski the “exorbitant and ridiculous” salaries, Ramesar warned there would be far-reaching consequences.
Cabinet met on Thursday and the remuneration packages of both men were discussed and referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee. The committee is expected to meet tomorrow. (Trinidad Express)
