Former Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith has addressed his withdrawal from participation in crime talks between Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Speaking on the Tobago Updates Morning Show, Griffith emphasized that he refused to become a “scapegoat” for the breakdown in these crucial discussions.
The controversy arose after Opposition Leader Persad-Bissessar announced that Griffith would no longer be part of their team for crime talks. This decision came following Prime Minister Rowley’s reservations about Griffith’s inclusion in the negotiations. Griffith clarified that his decision to step away was driven by his unwillingness to be blamed unfairly.
Griffith expressed his frustration, stating, “What the Prime Minister has done is try to use me as a scapegoat, shifting the goalposts and attempting to blame me for the talks’ breakdown.” He asserted that his departure now leaves the onus on Dr. Rowley to decide on the future of these crucial meetings.
Reflecting on the initial invitation from Dr. Rowley to engage in crime discussions, Griffith criticized the Prime Minister’s handling of the matter, questioning the sincerity of the invitation. He accused the government of prioritizing rhetoric over substantive action against crime, citing inadequate measures and misplaced priorities in national security.
Griffith also condemned the government’s focus on legal firearm ownership rather than tackling the proliferation of illegal weapons. “All they speak about is legal firearms, which is typical PNM propaganda,” Griffith remarked, highlighting what he sees as a diversion from the real issues plaguing the country’s security landscape.
As the debate intensifies over crime control strategies in Trinidad and Tobago, Griffith’s departure from the talks underscores broader concerns about political maneuvering and the genuine commitment to addressing crime effectively.
For further updates and insights into this developing story, stay tuned to Tobago Updates for comprehensive coverage.
