TRINIDAD-Police Commissioner reassures officers after High Court voids promotion exams results.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, CMC—Following the High Court’s decision to quash the results of the recent police promotional examinations, Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin met with affected officers to discuss the next steps and assured them that their concerns would be considered in determining the next steps.

Justice Frank Seepersad’s ruling overturned the promotion process for inspectors and ordered the police to restart it. On Friday, Commissioner Benjamin directly engaged with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) impacted by that decision.

Addressing the officers, he said, “Immediately after learning of the judgment, I knew it was important to meet with you because, in my many years of service, I know that people do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care; and I want you to know that the executive of the TTPS cares.”

Benjamin assured them their concerns would be central to any decision. “Our next steps in dealing with this matter will take into account how you feel as well as what will bring the most benefit to the organization,” he added.

Gideon Dickson, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), who is among those affected by the ruling, acknowledged the difficult position of officers nearing retirement.

“I understand that some officers close to retirement may age out of the process, but the decision we make today isn’t just for us, but for those coming after us,” he said.

Dickson commended Commissioner Benjamin for his engagement with the officers. He noted that while they were disappointed with the court’s decision, they appreciated the leadership’s concern and willingness to listen.

In his ruling on a case challenging the fairness and legality of the TTPS promotion process, Justice Seepersad declared the system fundamentally flawed and invalid, stating that it undermined merit-based principles and violated police service laws.

He highlighted several serious issues, including automatically awarding “outstanding” grades to all candidates without proper performance evaluations and failing to enforce the required 50 percent pass mark for the qualifying exam.