Police Commissioner Trevor Paul who had refused to permit policemen to host Divali and Eid celebrations in police stations, came under fire during a Divali function hosted by policemen under a tent opposite the St Margaret's Police Station in Claxton Bay on Friday. "How can the commissioner gain the respect of his men when he treats them in this manner," charged councillor Harold Ramba-rat as he addressed a large gathering of villagers and off-duty policemen from various stations.

The tent was pitched by policemen attached to police stations in the Southern Division after Paul refused to allow the religious functions to be held in the stations. The commissioner's decision had evoked criticism from religious bodies, policemen and members of the public, but Paul is holding firm to his decision not to permit any function that would cause disruptions in the police stations. In his brief address on Friday, Rambarat commended officers of the St Margaret's Police Station for being fearless. Rambarat said he hoped that the officers would continue to "light their deyas and make the Divali celebrations bigger and brighter in years to come."

Pundit Rishi Maharaj said he was happy to see policemen unite as they uphold their tradition. Maharaj said that the officers had created history. Imam Keith Jahoor reminded the gathering that those who did good would "live good." "Those who are evil will be swallowed up by their bad ways," he added. The function was attended by several off-duty policemen from various stations, many of whom were dressed in traditional Hindu wear. Deyas were lit outside the walls of the St Margaret's Police Station, and Cpl Narine Harrigin participated in the puja. Entertainment was provided by D Rampersad Indian Arts Orchestra.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=30161