Yet another officer is lost to Covid-19. This time a Woman Police Constable (WPC), who only a few days before her passing, gave birth. WPC Anisa Falina Khan reportedly succumbed to the Covid-19 virus on Saturday. Following her death, the number of officers lost to Covid-19, now stands at 14. It raises the question, “Is enough being done to protect our front-line workers who are committed and resiliently executing their duties in the midst of a pandemic?” President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA)

Gideon Dickson, in a phone interview with PSA Media, reported that as of 3 pm yesterday, the Covid-19 statistics regarding TTPS staff read:

– 285 officers are presently quarantined.

– 1 civilian staff is presently quarantined.

–  76 TTPS employees have currently tested positive

– 0 Civilian staff tested positive at this time.

– 14 Police Officers have passed away.

– 4516 Number of police officers and TTPS employees that were quarantined and resumed duty.

President Dickson, when asked if enough was being done to protect the officers, stated that there was always room for improvement. “There is room for improved testing mechanisms, room for improvement with the timeliness of PPE getting to the officers, room for improvement with timely Covid-19 results so that organizations can plan better. Always room for improvement,” said President Dickson. He also encouraged that staff do their research and make informed decisions regarding vaccinations, as he said each person has a part to play in fighting what he referred to as the invisible enemy, Covid-19. 

Dickson stated that officers who thought that they needed help processing the death of their coworkers, could access counseling from the social work department, who during these times have positioned themselves for those who may need that level of intervention.

The Public Services Association (PSA) executive team and members of staff, extend our deepest condolences to family, friends and co-workers of WCP Khan. It is with our deepest sympathy that we report this story.