Top cop ready to start work

PORT-OF-SPAIN – Dwayne Gibbs, the country’s next commissioner of police, on Thursday said he was happy to hear that Cabinet had approved his remuneration package, clearing the way for him to come to the country and assist in dealing with the runaway crime situation.Although he was not aware of Cabinet’s decision when contacted late Thursday, Gibbs said he was eager to come to the country and get down to business.“I am pleased that everything went through today, and that would give me an opportunity to start planning to come down and get started,” Gibbs said.When told there were pockets of discontent over his proposed salary, Gibbs said the real issue was the crime situation, one which he, with the support of all other stakeholders, intendedto deal with in a holistic manner.“I won’t discuss anything as far as the package negotiation is concerned, but it’s unfortunate that we deal with that when we’ve actually got bigger things to deal with – that’s the crime problem and working with the Police Service, which I am looking forward to,” he said.“I am looking forward to coming down and Trinidad will become my home, permanent residence; I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”He said he was yet to discuss with his wife whether they would stay at the official residence of the commissioner of police or seek alternative accommodation.Jack Ewatski, a fellow Canadian, who was selected for the deputy commissioner of police post and is in the country on personal business, meanwhile said he was not officially informed by government officials about Cabinet’s decision and preferred not to comment.Ewatski said on Thursday he met with some individuals he knew in this country and was expected, from yesterday, to view several proposed homes before he and his spouse make a decision on their permanent residence for the next three years. He and his spouse arrived in the country late Wednesday night from Toronto, Canada. (Trinidad Express)