By Nalinee Seelal Tuesday, August 7 2012

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LEAVING: Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jack Ewatski leaving Police Headquarters at the corner of Sackville and Edward streets, Port-of-Spain, ...

Outgoing Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs yesterday spent a brief two minutes thanking the Executive and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for the support he, and his deputy commissioner, Jack Ewatski, received during their 23 months at the helm of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

However, he joked to them “I hope our paths will cross someday again”.

Gibbs whose last day in office was yesterday chaired his last Executive meeting with his Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners when he seized the opportunity to explain to them, why he introduced the changes in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. He also advised them of the way forward in the interest of 21st Century Policing.

During his last Executive meeting the Commissioner said he had no regrets working with some men and women, who demonstrated high professionalism, and service.

He said while there were many challenges, he was happy with the inroads that he and his deputy were able to make in their 23 months in the local Police Service.

Many executive officers also seized the opportunity to thank the Commissioner and his Deputy for their service.

Following the Executive meeting Gibbs and his Executive along with the Chief Clerks in the Commissioners Office and Members of the Human Resource Department as well as Public Information Officers then proceeded to the Police First Division Officers Mess on the Fifth Floor of the Police Administration Building where they gathered for lunch.

The menu consisted of Brown rice with peas, baked chicken, shrimp, and a green salad.

Gibbs and his Deputy sat on a table with Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and DCP Mervyn Richardson.

Following lunch, the Comm-

issioner told the gathering he wanted to say a few words and in less than two minutes he expressed thanks to the Executive and the Police Service for giving him the opportunity to serve.

He also thanked those officers who supported him and his Deputy during their stay in office.

Jack Ewatski preferred not to address the gathering. Williams, in response to Gibbs, also expressed thanks to him and his Deputy for the knowledge and skills imparted to the Police Service. He said some of the initiatives introduced by the two officers will continue in the quest towards steering the police service in a certain direction.

Gibbs and his Deputy then shook hands with those present at the luncheon, and then retired to the sixth floor where their offices are located. Back at the Commissioner’s office he was presented with small gifts from his support staff, and opted to work until 3 pm, then left the Police Administration Building.

He did indicate to his office staff that he will work for a few hours today before finally departing the Police Administration Building for the last time.

He told his staff they will be missed and he also thanked them for their loyalty and support.

Ewatski opted to leave at about 2.30 pm when he was seen leaving the Police Administration Buil-

ding being driven by his official driver.

He did not stop to speak with members of the media who had gathered outside the Police Adminsitration Building hoping to get a quick interview with the departing Canadian.

Newsday understands that Gibbs may not be leaving Trinidad shortly since he has loose ends to tie up. He has a grace period of six months to vacate the Government Quarters at Flagstaff where he has been residing for the past 23 months.

Gibbs and Ewatski resigned their post last Monday citing personal reasons.

The Police Service Commission is expected to name the two new Acting Deputy Commissioners of Police today.