Soldier is new SSA head

Government conducted a “thorough and careful examination” of several worthy candidates before choosing Colonel Albert Griffith as new director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The Prime Minister announced Griffith’s appointment to the post during her statement to yesterday’s Lower House sitting. Griffith becomes director following the short lived appointment of junior SIA officer Reshmi Ramnarine to the post which caused a firestorm of controversy.

Ramnarine resigned days after being appointment following revelations about her qualifications. Yesterday Persad-Bissessar said: “As you will recall I made a statement in this Chamber on 4th February on the matter of an appointment to the position of SSA Director... 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.”

“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 over 2007-2010. He recently served as Sautt Interim Director. Persad-Bissessar said Griffith also possesses an MBA from the Heriot-Watt University, a diploma in security administration from UWI, and a diploma in law from the University of London. 

She added “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 SSA Director.” Griffith’s appointment will be made through the National Security Ministry (GA).