In a special statement to the House of Representatives Persad-Bissessar said "several worthy candidates" were considered for Trinidad and Tobago's top security position.
"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."
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.
Persad-Bissessar said Griffith holds an 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.
In addition, she said he 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."
Two weeks ago, Persad-Bissessar pledged to the House that the government would ensure that great care is taken in deciding on a new SSA director following the resignation of Reshmi Ramnarine who quit the post under a cloud of controversy within days of being handed the job.
Persad-Bissessar also took the opportunity to comment on the sickout by some police officers. She described the "drastic and dangerous" action taken by certain officers as "irresponsible".
"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," Persad-Bissessar said.
At the same time she commended those officers who went "beyond the call of duty" to protect and serve the nation. She also praised defence force personnel who joined the police to provide safety for the country.
Persad-Bissessar stated that she is mindful of the need for reasonable adjustments to the working conditions of police officers.
"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," she said.
She advised the House that she has held discussions with the Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police and the head of the defence force and "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."
She added, "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," she declared.
No comments:
Post a Comment