A heated parliamentary debate on October 10 culminated in Opposition MPs staging a walkout over the appointment of Junior Benjamin as Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) and the promotion of ACP Kurt Simon to Acting Deputy Commissioner. While both officers have previously held these roles, the debate centered on the timing and procedural concerns surrounding their appointments, particularly during a state of emergency (SoE) declared by the incumbent CoP, Allister Guevarro, who is set to attend an international conference in Denver, Colorado, from October 18-21. MP Marvin Gonzales criticized the absence of senior police leadership during a critical period, citing 72 murders since the SoE was declared. Despite Opposition support for Benjamin and Simon, Gonzales emphasized the need for accountability and governance. Government Leader Barry Padarath defended the appointments, asserting that the travel was strategic and aimed at strengthening international partnerships. The debate grew contentious, with frequent objections and accusations of bias against Speaker Jagdeo Singh, who ruled most objections out of order. The Opposition’s walkout was followed by a PNM statement condemning the Speaker’s perceived partiality, claiming a pattern of unfair treatment. The motion ultimately passed with Government MPs voting in favor.