Jesse Ramdeo
Senior reporter
jess.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has asked the public to be “patient” as an investigation into the Strategic Services Agency takes place.
Following the sod-turning ceremony for the Citrus Close Housing Development yesterday, the Prime Minister was questioned about the latest developments regarding the SSA, the country’s top intelligence agency.
On March 2, the Office of the Prime Minister announced that “the National Security Council has recommended to the Cabinet that the head of the SSA be replaced immediately and that new leadership and management be installed with despatch.”
Yesterday, the Prime Minister assured, “Action is being taken to right the ship.”
Since the shake-up at the SSA, there have been calls for an explanation with Opposition members demanding answers. Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal posed questions to the Prime Minister about it in Parliament.
There have also been startling claims made by Pastor Ian Brown about his role as a spy at the SSA and other allegations. Guardian Media was told by intelligence sources that their recollection of Brown at the agency was as an adviser to Major Best. Sources said he was commonly called Best’s “prophetic adviser”. Brown was also made an SRP.
However, Rowley called for composure as the investigation unfolded, “All I ask for is a little patience as the investigations proceed and the requisite actions are taken.”
He also issued a warning to members of the Opposition against peddling misleading information as it relates to the incident which resulted in the sudden replacement of the head of the agency, Major Roger Best, with Ambassador (Retired) Brigadier Anthony Phillips-Spencer.
On Monday, Moonilal condemned the decision of the Joint Select Committee into National Security not to look into the SSA matter.
JSC Chairman Keith Scotland stated that the move to convene a meeting was premature.
Rowley noted that the matter was in the hands of police and took Moonilal to task for suggesting that no inquiry had commenced.
“It is quite mischievous for a member of parliament to come out and say no investigation is taking place and therefore the Parliament should investigate what they are attempting to pretend. They know better, is that the Government could come and go to the Parliament and start talking about the innards of a police investigation and in the event that any person is held accountable the person can have all kinds of misconduct on the path of the government and prime minister,” he said.