FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
VOLUME 117, No.38
Fraudster discharged Page 4
www.thevincentian.com
Findlay on WI cricket Page 5
Miss SVG Cook-off Page 12
EC$1.50
A child’s first school Page 17
SVG TO GET NEW CoP:
Dexter’s last messages Page 24
JOHN RETIRES COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Colin John’s request for early retirement has been approved. This was confirmed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a call-in to the Thursday 14th edition of the Shake-Up programme aired on WE FM. Dr. Gonsalves said then, that the Police Service Commission (PSC), headed by lawyer Stephen Williams, informed him on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 that the Commissioner had asked for early retirement, and they had
Colin John, with a LLB honours degree and having been called to the Bar, served as Deputy Public Prosecutor between 2012 and 2016.
granted it. The Prime Minister’s confirmation of John’s departure from the top position in the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF), put a clamp on a wave of speculation that arose some two weeks ago. Among a large section of the population, it was felt that John, at that time, had indicated his intention to vacate the office of Commissioner.
The PM role in CoP appointment
Right: The Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, will have the ‘final’ say in who replaces Colin John and becomes the sixth Commissioner of Police since 2001.
Dr. Gonsalves said an announcement of who will replace John as CoP will be made by the end of the month (September). He reiterated what he had referenced in an earlier press conference; that in accordance with the constitution he will be integrally involved in the process leading up to the new appointment, as will be the Governor General and the PSC. According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister has to approve the
Colin John was the fifth Commissioner of Police to have served under a ULP government first installed in 2001. appointment of a Commissioner. “The PSC has to advise the GG any time the occasion arises for the appointment of Commissioner or acting Commissioner… then before the PSC advises the GG on an appointment, the PSC has to consult me and if I signify my objection to the person who they want to appoint…they can’t advise the GG,” Dr. Gonsalves emphasized. And with some indication that a decision has already been made with Continued on Page 3.