National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has welcomed the Appeal Court’s ruling to a recent challenge relating to Erla Harewood-Christopher’s tenure as Police Commissioner.

Today the Court dismissed an appeal over Government’s move to extend the Top Cop’s term by a year before reaching the retirement age last year.

Section 75 of the Police Service Act allows the President to extend the term of a first division officer who is due to retire, if it is in the national interest to do so.

Police officers can also receive two further one-year extensions based on annual performance reviews.

The Court’s ruling now clears the way for Cabinet to decide whether to extend Mrs Harewood-Christopher’s term by another year before her birthday next week.

Mr Hinds welcomed the ruling during a very brief media conference held today.