CHAIRMAN of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Nizam Mohammed says there were more issues which led to the PSC's decision to terminate the contract of former acting commissioner of police James Philbert last week. However, he said the other issues were private and confidential and could not be discussed.

Mohammed, a former speaker of the House under the United National Congress (UNC), also denied the PSC's move was politically motivated.

Philbert, on Saturday, said he believed the decision to send him home and appoint Deputy Commissioner Stephen Williams as acting CoP was politically influenced, a view also expressed by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

Last Friday, Philbert received a letter from the PSC instructing him to hand over the reins to Williams. Philbert also said he had a very cordial meeting with Mohammed one week before the letter came and was shocked when he received the correspondence.

On Monday, the PSC issued a statement defending its decision to sack Philbert before his September 30 contract ended. It said the move was to facilitate the smooth transition of the appointment of Canadian Dwayne Gibbs to the post of top cop.

However, many were not satisfied with the PSC's explanation. In fact, former PSC chairman Christopher Thomas called it strange, saying the deal they signed with Philbert should have seen him in office until Gibbs arrived.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Mohammed reiterated the move was not politically motivated but said the other reasons could not be divulged.

"Over my dead body. We (the PSC) are now working on a succession plan and transition process in consultations with the politicians. To say that there was any political interference (in sending home Philbert), it is most unfortunate. This commission has found itself in the cleaning process of a messy situation not created by us," Mohammed said.

Mohammed said the first time the PSC met with a politician since it was appointed was on Monday when it briefed National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy on the Philbert issue.

"(Christopher) Thomas (former PSC chairman) has his views and the commission also has its own views. I hope that the views he (Thomas) is expressing are based on all the circumstances, many of which are confidential and very private, concerning the transition process," Mohammed added.

Mohammed added Martin George, a PSC member who was appointed to meet with Philbert after there was a "misunderstanding of the issues", had met with Philbert. He said the PSC will, in the not too distant future, meet and discuss the matter.

"George is expected to talk to Philbert again to clarify any misunderstanding that may have arisen. He (George) has reported to me that the meeting was very cordial, and we are expected to meet again soon."

Thomas yesterday reiterated a view by Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal that Philbert's contract was breached by the PSC. He said it was wrong for the PSC to decide that Williams should be the one to hand over to Gibbs.

"Philbert should have been allowed to do the transition. He has acted in the post for more than a year, and he would have been the appropriate person to do that. What was the sense of handing over to Williams at this stage, who would have to hand over (to Gibbs) in a few weeks?" Thomas said.

On Tuesday, Seetahal had said it was clear Philbert's contract was violated by the PSC's decision. She said the PSC had a duty to pay Philbert for the remaining time stated in his contract.

When further questioned on the issue, Mohammed said, "I cannot discuss people's personal matters and confidential matters of the commission with the media."