“It is a time for healing.”
That was the response from DCP Junior Benjamin, who was approved by Parliament yesterday as acting Police Commissioner.
Contacted by the Express moments after the House of Representatives approved Benjamin to act as Police Commissioner, he said he did not wish to say too much about the decision because the process was not finished.
“I have to wait on the instrument of appointment, but simply for now, I want to just say I am thankful to God and also to know that I am approved by the Parliament, and I look forward to serving the Police Service because it is my intention to be a Commissioner of Police for all.”
Benjamin said he hoped he would perform as a Police Commissioner for all citizens, as well as all of the TTPS while “understanding at this time the Police Service is hurting and it is time for healing and, therefore, I have to do my part to really bring that sense of healing for my officers as we move forward in the midst of the (state of emergency)”.
Last week, a video of Benjamin surfaced on social media where he was seen wearing a bullet-proof vest and saying he was going to be a commissioner of police during a church sermon.
Benjamin said the video was recorded last August.
He said in his church he did illustrative sermons, and this one was based on the theme “Battle Warning”.
He said it was meant to encourage people not to give up in the middle of their battles.
The clip, from the Cathedral of Excellence, is six minutes and 43 seconds long. Benjamin is seen in the bullet-proof vest, telling the congregation to speak positive words.
He says, “I am not going to die before my time. I am going to be commissioner of police, I am going to be a good commissioner of police, I am going to be a leader of leaders, and start to speak it over my life.”
