Warfare is the most riveting excursion of a soldier’s tour of duty: to survive, far more to conquer, he must deal with life and death situations, literally as if everything depended on him and him alone, oft relying on gut feeling rather than what the drill sergeant taught. And on raw willpower when his senses refuse to comply.
Captain Gary Griffith has been summoned to pull us back from the brink. Having accepted the job as Police Commissioner, he must move with lightning speed to turn the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service into a shipshape unit that can overwhelm the cold-blooded criminal elements before it’s too late.
If he did, it would be one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of crime-fighting, because, for so long, the Police Service seemed almost intractable, almost clueless about itself. Age brings reason.
Reason, a different perspective. The footprints of outstanding leaders often loom largest well after they exit the stage, or think outside the box.
Captain Griffith would understand that the thrust at Police Service re-cohesiveness must commence via a frank tête a tête with former acting police commissioner Stephen Williams, because, in paramilitary outfits, the chain of command must pass in orderly fashion to quell dissension in the ranks.
Captain Griffith would also appreciate that, in civilian life’s bittersweet saga, time lost is seldom regained. And, in wartime, time’s critical. Williams held the fort for nigh on a decade. Let Williams ride out with due accolade. It’s an absolutely necessary prelude to the rule of law and order.
Richard Wm Thomas
Arouca
