And back now to police matters, we today asked the Minister about the three Deputy Commissioners of Police: they are Dr Richard Rosado, Attorney Bart Jones and Aaron Guzman.
Their promotions have been confirmed - but the issue of seniority is still unclear. Rosado, had the earliest confirmation date for his appointment, Jones the second and Guzman the third.
But, who is senior? The Compol says none of them. The minister agreed today - kind of:
Jules Vasquez
"There are now 3 DCPs confirmed."
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"Apparently there are no senior to the other."
Jules Vasquez
"But even by date of appointment?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"And I hear you are picking the next commissioner of police."
Jules Vasquez
"I often do. But no. I thought that date of appointment which Mr Rosado has the first date of appointment. In the public service I thought date of appointment leads to seniority."
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"I believe our current Commissioner of Police sort of debunked that rule. Perhaps he was the exception to the rule, if I am not mistaken, he was merely an Assistant Commissioner of Police who jumped other DCPs to become the Commissioner of Police. But that might be the exception to the rule. But what is your question? Is there a seniority?"
Jules Vasquez
"Yes, is there seniority?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"I would say in terms of the date of your appointment, yes. But you don't get the title senior deputy if that is what you are asking. You don't get a special title."
Jules Vasquez
"Is there any clear path to succession amongst these DCPs?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"We have currently three deputy commissioners, so Dr. Rosado is one. Bart Jones who is a trained attorney is a second and then we have Mr Aaron Guzman who is a third deputy commissioner. I believe Mr. Guzman will be retiring next year 2024, and so what we are looking at right now are the other two DCPs. I cannot say that we have decided who will be the next Commissioner of Police."
