I'd like to acknowledge Captain Gary Griffith for an excellent job during his fleeting tenure as our Minister of National Security.
He certainly talked the talk from the minute he was appointed and at least I and my friends felt something was happening: the purchasing of patrol boats and hovercrafts for the Coast Guard to patrol our shores; the armoured SUVs to protect the police; the plans to acquire drones; the patrols on the highways and the pursuit of intoxicated drivers by the breathalyser tests; the patrols in crime-stricken areas; installation of security cameras; and so on and on. Whatever measures were already in place, Captain Griffith reviewed and either had them enhanced or disbanded.
Last year when there were attempted burglaries and actual break-ins in my community Minister Griffith held a meeting with us and installed a security camera that covered all exits and entries to our area. He also advised us about personal security measures and introduced us to the police. He always gave credit for various activities to his team. He had a personal touch.
Last year fire broke out near the homes on Lady Chancellor Hill; I have friends there. I was told that the fire brigade was furiously fighting the fire but it had climbed close to some homes at the upper level. One of the residents contacted the Minister's office and she said that the response was fast. She just heard the drone of helicopters that immediately sprayed the areas that the fire brigade could not reach. That is not all. She related her conversation with the Minister's office and remember leaving her cell number. Sometime later, the minister himself called her and she was able to assure him that the residents were so appreciative of the fast action given to them.
I am not presumptuous to speak for the nation or the country as most spokespersons are wont to say. In my not too modest circle of friends, Captain Griffith joins Brigadier Joe Theodore (both Sandhurst trained) as the best Minister of National Security that T&T has ever had; and I have been around for a very, very long time. Captain Griffith was/is motivated, eager, determined, knowledgeable and, being a trained soldier, always felt confident in his actions, therefore was able to make intelligent pronouncements.
In the past, I remember so well, how many of us would complain about the lack of information from Ministers of National Security. Captain Griffith is, clearly, a loyal person, and loves his country. He always said the lengths he would go to, himself, to protect us and I at least, believe him. I wish to say that it was a joy to hear Brigadier Carl Alfonso commend Captain Griffith for properly dealing with security measures for Carnival.
I told Captain Griffith recently that we did not appreciate the comments about his talking too much and he gave me a good reason.
"Politicians need to talk to explain to the people certain matters that they may not be aware of especially as it is the taxpayers who are paying for any asset, so...they need to know what is being purchased. Also what steps are being taken in their interest," he explained.
In my opinion the Prime Minister's decision against Captain Griffith was overkill.
Pearl-e Phillips
Maraval