Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Harold Phillip has asked the public to be patient as the investigation into witness tampering allegations levelled against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan continues. Phillip, who was appointed to lead the investigations into Police Complaints Authority Director David West’s allegation that Ramlogan attempted to pervert the course of justice, made it clear yesterday he was not going to conduct his investigation in the media.
“At the appropriate time those necessary press releases will be made,” Phillip said. However, the acting DCP, speaking briefly with the Sunday Guardian, hastened to add that he was “just trying to do my best.” Phillip said that the investigation was not a “drama thing, it is a serious matter” and he would be working very hard on it.
“At the appropriate time press releases will be made. We are working very assiduously. We are putting all of the energy to ensure that we investigate this matter. We must have some patience,” Phillip said.
The witness tampering allegedly occurred six days before West was appointed PCA director. At that time, West alleged, Ramlogan asked him to withdraw his witness statement in the defamation lawsuit brought against People’s National Movement Leader Dr Keith Rowley in exchange for West being selected for the PCA post. The statement related to the failed extradition concerning Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ish Galbaransingh.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar removed both Ramlogan and Griffith from her Cabinet last Monday. She also called on President Anthony Carmona to revoke the PCA director’s appointment.
Guardian apologises to Ernie Ross
A headline which appeared on the front cover of the Guardian Newspaper on Thursday, February 5, 2015, claimed "Gary names PP adviser in criminal complaint" and "Ross faces probe." We would like to take this opportunity to issue a correction and apology to Mr Ernie Ross.
Mr Ross has not been the subject of a criminal complaint made in writing and no "probe" has been instituted into his conduct as stated in the headline and accompanying article. We apologise to Mr Ross for any distress and/or inconvenience that the headline and article may have caused to him personally and/or to Ross Advertising.