PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Statement by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in the House of Representatives on Friday, February 18th, 2011:
Mr. Speaker,
I am obliged to speak regarding the drastic and dangerous action being taken by some of our nation’s Police officers.
At a time when your Government is working assiduously and with some measure of success in curbing the crime situation these irresponsible acts by some members of the police service place us all in jeopardy.
Unfortunately, the action taken by a minority of police officers places immense pressure on their dedicated and loyal colleagues who remain true to their moral and legal obligations and to their oath, which is, “protect and serve.” I wish to commend and recognize those members of the Police Service who are now required to go above and beyond the call of duty in protecting innocent women, children and men in our society.
As Prime Minister I can assure you this level of irresponsibility will not go unchecked. Those members of the Police Service who may believe that an abandonment of their duty to conduct an essential service such as the protection of our citizens will find favor either with the public or the Government as a negotiation tactic can expect quite the opposite.
No one is more mindful of the need for reasonable adjustment to the terms and conditions of the men and women of the police service who lay down their lives every day in defense and protection of our citizens. The same is held true of many other public servants who faithfully serve their nation and who are equally deserving of improved terms and conditions as can be afforded at this point in time. Your Government has to act with fiscal responsibility and make prudent decisions that are in the long term national interest but which in the short term may be unpopular in some sectors.
The nation cannot be held to ransom. Public safety is paramount and cannot be compromised or used as a negotiation tool. It is the reason why certain services are ordained by law to be essential and the withdrawal of such services is strictly prohibited.
I have held discussions with the Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Defense Staff and plans are in place to deal with the situation as it arises. A communication programmed which identifies some of the procedures and strategies in response to any repeat of the situation which arose a few days ago is to be deployed.
I hold each police officer who fails to carry out his or her lawful duty to protect and serve citizens responsible for every crime which could have been prevented but for dereliction of duty. Everyone is affected by the irresponsible acts of a small number of police officers including the very families and friends of those who abandon their jobs.
I am filled with an even greater resolve to create a Police Service that truly understands its duty and fulfils its obligation to the citizens of this country. But we must not allow the action of a few misguided police officers to tarnish the reputation of the dedicated majority.
The Police Service has a long and proud tradition of dedication to the citizens of this nation and a few random acts of utter irresponsibility cannot erase this history of service nor the gratitude which we all hold for our policemen and policewomen.
I take this opportunity to express my understanding of their circumstances and pledge my Government’s support for the dedication and selflessness displayed. I take this opportunity to point out the difficult financial constraints faced by the Government and our desire to turn these circumstances around so that everyone could benefit.
The negotiations with the Police Association must continue in good faith and better sense must prevail but I can assure all and sundry that these talks will not be conducted in an atmosphere such as was experienced by the withdrawal of services by sections of the police service.
I want to assure members of the public that necessary provisions have been put in place to deal with breaches of security at every level and that discussions have been held and resources identified to deal with any situation.
I am emboldened by the challenges presented as they sharpen my understanding of the forces that act against the interest of the people. The revolution for change which our nation voted for is still emerging and there will be obstacles along the way but none are insurmountable.
We have all struggled too long and too hard to allow anyone to forfeit the changes and over the next few weeks we will be announcing several major initiatives that will make positive changes in the lives of citizens. And nothing will stop these developments from taking place and creating the kind of transformation which the nation has waited upon for decades.
I take this opportunity to thank the many citizens who have in one way or another communicated with me and members of the Cabinet to offer their support. We are inspired by the overwhelming support of the people and excited by the future that is about to unfold. May I also take this opportunity to thank those members of the Defense Force who worked alongside those dedicated members of the Police Service who have pledged their support in the days to come.
I raise also Mr. Speaker, a related matter, which we think is equally critical to our fight against the criminal elements and our capacity to bring to justice those involved in the most heinous of all criminal activities.
As you will recall I made a statement in this Chamber on Friday 4th February 2011 on the matter of an appointment to the position of Director of the Strategic Services Agency also known as the SSA.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Government, I made a solemn commitment to this House and the nation that we will undertake the most stringent recruitment and assessment procedures to ensure that a new Director of the SSA can stand the most rigorous test of character and integrity.
Pursuant to this pledge we adopted a thorough and careful examination of several worthy candidates to this key security and intelligence agency. I am now pleased to announce that Cabinet has approved the appointment of Colonel Albert Adolphus Griffith, a highly decorated military officer with 30 years experience in the armed services of our nation.
Colonel Griffith has served as Vice Director of the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago during the period 2007-2010, and recently served as Interim Director of the SAUTT. Colonel Griffith possesses a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from The Heriot-Watt University, a Diploma in Security Administration from the University of the West Indies (UWI), and a Diploma in Law from the University of London.
Colonel Griffith has extensive training in areas of intelligence gathering, anti-terrorism, narcotics interdiction, security management and cross border law enforcement.
He brings this comprehensive experience and training to the position of Director of the SSA. And as we proceed, a letter of invitation to Colonel Griffith, offering him the appointment as Director of the SSA will be issued through the Ministry of National Security and we will proceed from there.
I thank you very much
