DWAYNE GIBBS, the country's next commissioner of police, says when he assumes duty as head of the Police Service, he intends to meet with former acting CoP James Philbert.

Contacted in Canada yesterday, Gibbs said he was aware Philbert was no longer in charge of the service but said he believed Philbert was a valuable asset, and he intends to meet with him to discuss some of the initiatives he (Gibbs) would be bringing to the country.

Gibbs said Philbert had made a very meaningful contribution during his service, adding he would want an opportunity to discuss crime-fighting initiatives with the former acting top cop, among other state holders.

"Certainly, I would want to meet with him (Philbert) because he is obviously a police officer that has come through the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for many years. I am sure his insights would be worthwhile to hear and to listen to, and if there is any other police officer who has passed through service, I would be interesting in sitting down with them and discuss effective policing," Gibbs said.

Gibbs said he was also looking forward to meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Social Welfare Association to hear its issues and concerns, in an attempt to have them addressed in a timely manner.

"Definitely, I want to sit down with the president of the association (Anand Ramesar) because I believe it's very important to have good working relationships between the executive of the Police Service and the association," Gibbs said.

He said even though he has already started to pack up his personal items to move to Trinidad, no decision had yet been made regarding where he and his wife would live. He said he also had to iron out a few more details in his contract.

Also contacted yesterday, Gibbs' fellow Canadian, Jack Ewatski, said he was waiting on the PSC to give him the all-clear so he could come to Trinidad to start work.