SSA Director Arthur Barrington Appointment Revoked

May 13, 2025 – The Cabinet has revoked Arthur Barrington’s appointment as Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), effective May 9, just over a month after his April 1 appointment. The announcement by the Attorney General’s Office on May 10 follows efforts to stabilise the agency after recent leadership turmoil. Barrington, a former head of the Police Special Branch, was appointed by then-Prime Minister Stuart Young following the dismissal of Major Roger Best, whose tenure was clouded by allegations of unauthorised arms transfers and creating a militarised unit within the SSA. Founded in 1995, the SSA intercepts communications and shapes anti-crime policies. However, recent audits exposed issues such as the stockpiling of military-grade weapons and alleged nepotism tied to a religious group, raising concerns about national security oversight. Retired Major Roger McClean, a former SSA deputy director, has been named the new director as the agency moves to rebuild public trust.