by Gail Alexander and Sampson Nanton (Trinidad Guardian) The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously confirmed Erla Harewood-Christopher as the country’s first-ever female Commissioner of Police.
All Government and Opposition Members of Parliament in the House voted in favour of the motion to appoint her, ending in a vote of 36 for, zero against and zero abstentions.
Harewood-Christopher, who has been acting in the position, was recommended as the top choice by the Police Service Commission (PSC) but it still needed to be ratified by Parliament.
Leading the motion for her appointment, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley confirmed the PSC nominated her “as the highest-grade candidate.”
Noting Harewood-Christopher has a very long and varied service coming up the ranks from constable, Rowley added, “This officer is highly qualified and very experienced and therefore, we’re not entirely surprised she would have found favour with the service commission, who would have listed her as the top applicant at this time.”
Harewood-Christopher is 59 years and by law must retire when she turns 60 on May 15, 2023.
