LATEST NEWS:
News
Ellington is acting police chief
Lewin gave no reason for resignation, says PM
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Deputy Commissioner Owen Ellington to act as police chief, effective November 7.
 |
| ELLINGTON. takes up acting appointment Nov 7 |
In the meantime, the PSC said it will, through public advertisements, be inviting applications to fill the post of commissioner left vacant by the resignation of Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin on Sunday.
Ellington, who is the constabulary's crime chief, is said to command the respect of the rank-and-file as well as the high command.
The Government has been coming under fire following the sudden resignation of the police commissioner.
However, Prime Minister Bruce Golding told Parliament yesterday that the Government was still unaware as to the reason Lewin called it quits over the weekend.
"The letter is a two-paragraph letter that simply states his resignation. No reason given and he expressed gratitude to the (Police Service) Commission for the support it had given," Golding said in response to queries from former national security minister in the People's National Party administration, Dr Peter Phillips.
Furthermore, Golding said there was no truth to reports that Lewin had resigned because he could not get support from the Government.
"I'm not aware that any such report emanated from the Government. I have learnt over 40 years in public life that you mustn't be moved by everything you read in print," said Golding. "I assured the commissioner that he would have the full support of the Government. I can't guarantee that there might not be individual members who have reservations, but so long as I lead the Government I assured him he had the full support of the Government."
In the meantime, Golding said he had communicated his concerns to Lewin at a meeting on October 23 that the police needed to be more assertive and proactive in their operations in order to reduce the level of crime in the country. The prime minister, who said he had reiterated his willingness to continue to meet with Lewin to discuss the issues further, said he was advised by the chairman of the PSC on Sunday of the resignation.
Golding said he had since received a copy of Lewin's resignation letter which was dated October 20, 2009, three days before the he met with the commissioner.
Yesterday, Golding said while he was not pointing fingers at Lewin, who could not be blamed for the crime wave, "it is the job of the commissioner of police to mobilise the police force and the resources at his command to bring the level of crime within tolerable limits".
He said, however, Lewin must be commended for the significant steps he took to stamp out corruption within the force.
Lewin was appointed commissioner two years ago after retiring from the Jamaica Defence Force where he served for 36 years, five as chief of staff.
Other Stories
New BOJ governor takes office a week early
Teenage girl questioned about murder of 93-y-o man
Shopping stimulus for 'Downtown'
Gov't moves to save $300m in health-care costs
Secrecy legislation being used to circumvent ATI
Police send warning to event promoters
Man who killed wife in his sleep freed
RSS Feeds