For some time now we've been reporting on the friction between the Commissioner of Police and the former Police Association president Corporal Eldon Arzu. Williams has challenged his legitimacy as president, his actions - or inaction - as president, and his suitability to run for the post again.
Arzu is heading a slate that is offering itself for the election. They are being challenged by a slate led by Sergeant Jane Usher - which is perceived to have the implicit support of the commissioner.
The campaign has gotten dirty with lots of mud slinging against Arzu and his slate.
Today the press asked the Compol about his neutrality in this very contentious election:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I don't know how to have a bitter relationship with nobody. I am a happy person. I don't envy nobody. I don't hold grudge I don't hold malice. Mr. Arzu is a serving member of the police department. He can offer himself for elections to be a member of the police association and if the rank and file of the department so chooses to elect him in that association then the law is that he must serve. As the commissioner I remain neutral. I am not going to campaign for either group. I am going to influence the rank and file to vote. What I will do though is to ensure that the message that is being used for campaign is a honest message and no fabrication by either sides with a view to ensure that they get the upper hand over the other. It is matter of the rank and file who they want to represent them in the association, but what I want though is that I don't want an association that is going to be yes, yes, yes to the Commissioner. I want an association that is going to work with me and fight for the better good of this department, fight for the welfare and interest of the rank and file that they represent."
Reporter
"Within that election what about the perception that you may be turning a blind eye to the nasty smear campaigns to prevent "Arzu" from becoming president for life?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I am not doing nothing to smear nobody's name. I am simply saying that I am going to put the facts out there in terms of the police trust fund and the police reward fund accounts, so that the police officers can see how their monies are spent and how many monies are left in those 2 accounts. I have nothing to do with say vote for this one or vote for that one or this one this and that one. No, that is not for me to do. The officers of the department must decide that on their own who they want to represent them in their association."
The election is set for mid-June.
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