{"id":5079,"date":"2011-04-04T12:04:05","date_gmt":"2011-04-04T16:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/?p=5079"},"modified":"2011-04-06T07:43:00","modified_gmt":"2011-04-06T11:43:00","slug":"president-revokes-nizam-mohammeds-psc-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/?p=5079","title":{"rendered":"President Revokes Nizam’s Appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following is a press release from the Office of the President.<\/i>
\n

\"President<\/a>
President George Maxwell Richards<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\nTHE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
\nTRINIDAD
\nREPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO<\/p>\n

In the matter of the Constitution and of the Revocation of the Appointment of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, as Chairman & Member.<\/p>\n

His Excellency GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS, T.C., C.M.T., Ph.D., President advises that he has, with immediate effect revoked the appointment of Mr. Nizam Mohammed as Chairman and member of the Police Service Commission.
\n
\nIn so doing, His Excellency has exercised the power vested in him by Section 122A (1) (d) & (f) of the Constitution (as amended), all other powers thereto enabling and, after a most cordial meeting with Mr. Mohammed on Friday 1st April, 2011 when the business of the Commission was discussed. <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 05, 2011<\/p>\n

Warner: It\u2019s a sign of T&T\u2019s unity<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

Acting Prime Minister Jack Warner said yesterday the action by President George Maxwell Richards on the revocation of the appointment of chairman of the Police Service Commission is a clear indication that as a nation \u201cwe are not prepared to countenance any statement that threatens the unity of our national state.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following is his statement:<\/b> I wish to acknowledge the action taken by His Excellency President George Maxwell Richards on the revocation of the appointment of Mr Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission. His Excellency\u2019s carefully deliberated action is a clear indication that as a nation we are not prepared to countenance any statement that threatens the unity of our national state. This has been an extremely difficult moment for the President but what we can be absolutely assured of is a Head of State and a Government that always put the well-being of all its citizens first before sectoral interests, which interests can easily divide us. Regardless of how painful such action may be, as a Government elected by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, we will always strive to do what is right.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.guardian.co.tt\/news\/2011\/04\/05\/warner-it-s-sign-tt-s-unity<\/p>\n

Feedback from the firing of Nizam Mohammed<\/b><\/p>\n

By Alicia Llanos
\nApril 05, 2011 – guardian.co.tt<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

President George Maxwell Richards yesterday revoked the appointment of chairman of the Police Service Commission, Nizam Mohammed, citing Section 122A (1) (d) and (f) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2006. Section 122A (1) states: \u201cThe President shall, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, terminate the appointment of a member of the Police Service Commission, if the member <\/p>\n

(d) fails to perform his duties in a responsible or timely manner; and,<\/p>\n

(f) demonstrates a lack of competence to perform his duties.<\/p>\n

Mohammed\u2019s remarks were condemned by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as reckless and irresponsible.\u201d Members of the Government, Opposition, the Police Service and other national organisations publicly called for Mohammed\u2019s removal. Following are the comments from prominent members of the public:<\/p>\n

Basdeo Panday, former prime minister<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

Basdeo PandayNizam Mohammed\u2019s dismissal will further the consciousness of racism existing in T&T. Mohammed\u2019s dismissal would not do anything to lessen the awareness of ethnic imbalances within the Police Service and other sectors in T&T. In my opinion Mohammed\u2019s position was revoked due to political pressure placed on the Government. The Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar must come forward and explain to the public why Mohammed\u2019s position was revoked. A similar statement must come from the President.<\/p>\n

Sat Maharaj secretary general of the Maha Sabha<\/big><\/b> <\/p>\n

Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Satnarayan MaharajThere is no justification behind the dismissal of Nizam Mohammed from his position as chairman of the PSC. Mohammed \u201cwas only speaking the truth,\u201d and there was no true justification for his dismissal. The President acted on public and political opinion rather than appropriately dealing with the matter of ethnic imbalances in the Police Service.<\/p>\n

Dr Amery Browne, Opposition MP<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

Dr Amery Browne, Opposition MPNizam Mohammed\u2019s position should have been revoked in July of last year when he failed to comply with lawful instructions after a traffic violation. Mohammed\u2019s dismissal was an \u201cexample of the President fulfilling his responsibility and taking decisive action in the best interest of the citizens of T&T.<\/p>\n

Dana Seetahal Senior Counsel<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

Dana SeetahalThe President made the right decision by revoking Nizam Mohammed\u2019s position as he had proved himself incompetent of holding such a high-ranking position. Mohammed did not understand his remit and his statements showed his incompetence to head the PSC. His statements were void of cultural and social analyses and had the potential to cause a severe division within the Police Service. It was irresponsible to suggest one\u2019s race determined one\u2019s place in the hierarchy of the Police Service. His statements went against the grain of the history of the Police Service.<\/p>\n

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, former Attorney General<\/b><\/big> <\/p>\n

\"RameshPresident George Maxwell Richards had no alternative but to take action against Nizam Mohammed. The President acted well within the constitution in removing Mohammed on the basis of his incompetence to hold such a position. Mohammed\u2019s statements were made on his own \u201cpersonal findings\u201d and could have created \u201cdisaffection between races in T&T.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr Hamid Ghany, senior lecturer in government at the University of the West Indies\u2019 St Augustine Campus<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

\"HamidThe revocation of Nizam Mohammed\u2019s position as chairman of the Police Services Commission was necessary. The ramifications of Mohammed\u2019s statements would have caused considerable damage to ethnic relations within the Police Service. If Mohammed had remained chairman, any East Indian would have had their nomination for promotion reviewed \u201cin a light of suspicion.\u201d Mohammed would have caused other members of the Police Service who were not of East Indian descent to feel threatened that they may not be treated fairly, based on the agenda he outlined to rectify ethnic imbalances in the service.<\/p>\n

Israel Khan, Senior Counsel<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

Israel KhanNizam Mohammed was wrongly condemned. Mohammed became a suicide bomber being condemned not for what he said, but how he said it. Mohammed was within his rights to discuss ethnic imbalances within the Police Service. Mohammed\u2019s statements became intangible to the Government, Opposition and the Police Service itself, leading to his condemnation. I do not agree with Mohammed\u2019s position being revoked but understood it would be impossible for him to continue to work in the Police Service Commission. Despite my objections I respect the decision of the President. <\/p>\n

Jack Ewatski, Deputy Police Commissioner<\/b><\/big><\/p>\n

\"JackThe police need to remain focussed on the job they have to do. This includes providing safety to the public, apprehending criminals and solving crimes.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.guardian.co.tt\/news\/2011\/04\/05\/sat-no-reason-dismiss-him<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

NIZAM FIRED<\/a>
\nAT ABOUT 11 o’clock yesterday morning, President George Maxwell Richards ended ten days of raging national controversy over the issue of a racial imbalance in the Police Service by announcing the revocation of Nizam Mohammed’s appointment as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).<\/p>\n

YOU’RE FIRED!<\/a>
\nPresident cites Constitution in revoking appointment of PSC chairman <\/p>\n

Difficult choice for President<\/a>
\nACTING Prime Minister Jack Warner yesterday welcomed President George Maxwell Richard’s announcement that the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission has been revoked. <\/p>\n

Rowley: Firing clearly warranted<\/a>
\nOPPOSITION Leader and PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley yesterday argued that President George Maxwell Richards’ removal of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) represents the assertion of a principle that the Presidency can be used “to contribute to the improvement and sustenance of the governance of the country.”<\/p>\n

Nizam: I am a victim<\/a>
\nSacked chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Nizam Mohammed says he is a victim of breach of natural justice and process.<\/p>\n

‘Max must explain decision’<\/a>
\nApparently stunned by the decision yesterday of President George Maxwell Richards to revoke his appointment as chairman of the Police Service Commission, Nizam Mohammed insisted that the President say on what grounds he was fired. <\/p>\n

Cloud always over Nizam’s appointment<\/a>
\nFrom the very beginning, Nizam Mohammed’s eight-month tenure as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) was shrouded in controversy.<\/p>\n

Dana and Daly praise President<\/a>
\nPresident George Maxwell Richards got it right, attorney Dana Seetahal SC said yesterday.<\/p>\n

3 PSC members: Ethnic imbalance never discussed<\/a>
\nThree members of the Police Service Commission yesterday distanced themselves from comments attributed to former chairman Nizam Mohammed and wished him well in the future.<\/p>\n

PSC’s work ‘will go on’<\/a>
\nAs they appeared to breathe a collective sigh of relief yesterday, three commissioners indicated that the work of the Police Service Commission continues, notwithstanding the fact that it now does not have a chairman. <\/p>\n

Race issue still to be addressed<\/a>
\nTHREE members appointed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday admitted that the issue of racial imbalance within the ranks of the Police Service is an issue that must be dealt with. But just not now.<\/p>\n

PSC member has ‘no view’ on Nizam’s removal<\/a>
\nPolice Service Commission (PSC) member Addison Khan says he has no view on the removal, by President George Maxwell Richards, of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the PSC. He says Richards had a job to do and he did it. <\/p>\n

Dumas: He didn’t have ‘speaking rights’<\/a>
\nFormer head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas says sacked chairman of the Police Service Commission Nizam Mohammed did not have the constitutional authority to address any perceived ethnic imbalance in the T&T Police Service.<\/p>\n

Police Service must move on<\/a>
\nMINUTES after President George Maxwell Richards revoked the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Acting Commissioner of Police Jack Ewatski said the Police Service must move on and remain focused on its duties.<\/p>\n

…Ewatski: Move on<\/a><\/p>\n

Pastor Clive Dottin: Yellow card, Red card and the PSC<\/a><\/p>\n

Media lauded for ‘vibrant’ coverage of Nizam affair<\/a>
\nTHERE was high praise yesterday for both the print and broadcast media for their continuous coverage of the matter involving fired Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman Nizam Mohammed. <\/p>\n

Nizam out<\/a>
\nIT was inevitable that Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman would soon be out of office after his surprising and unprovoked remarks to the Joint Select Committee (JSC) a fortnight ago. The writing was on the wall from the moment his remarks about redressing an ethnic imbalance in the top ranks of the Police Service were hit by both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, each of whom held urgent meetings with the President. <\/p>\n

Timely revocation by President<\/a>
\nYesterday’s decision by President George Maxwell Richards to revoke the appointment of Nizam Mohammed as the chairman of the Police Service Commission ought to bring an end to the ten-day imbroglio caused by Mohammed’s extremely divisive comments. <\/p>\n

Nizam Mohammed’s mission impossible<\/a>
\nThe effect of an 11-line statement issued yesterday by the President was to bring the axe down on the knotty tangle that had since March 25 ensnared the Police Service Commission (PSC). The statement ended a tense waiting period by announcing that President George Maxwell Richards had revoked with immediate effect the appointment of PSC chairman Nizam Mohammed. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The following is a press release from the Office of the President. THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TRINIDAD REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO In the matter of the Constitution and of the Revocation of the Appointment of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, as Chairman & Member. His Excellency GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS, T.C., C.M.T., … Continue reading President Revokes Nizam’s Appointment<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,155,186,566,217,396,7,154,160],"tags":[120,625,41,1064],"class_list":["post-5079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-tt","category-indian","category-law","category-opposition-party","category-parliament","category-peoples-partnership","category-politics","category-race-and-identity","category-security","tag-george-maxwell-richards","tag-nizam-mohammed","tag-president","tag-psc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5079"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5112,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5079\/revisions\/5112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}