In the wake of revelations of alleged misconduct and a purported plot to overthrow the sitting Government by rogue elements of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), regional security consultant Garvin Heerah has called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate these claims to restore the public’s trust in the agency.
Heerah warned that failing to treat the matter with the necessary urgency would add to the continued poor public perception towards state agencies.
During a sitting of the Lower House on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley read from an SSA audit that reported sophisticated, high-calibre weapons were procured and a plot was underway to oust the Government.
Responding to Guardian Media’s questions via WhatsApp yesterday, Heerah, a former director of the National Operations Centre (NOC) and retired Lt Col with the T&T Coast Guard, said the compromise of such a critical security agency has left this country’s infrastructure vulnerable to attack.
“The primary mandate of the SSA is to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. A compromised SSA fails to provide the necessary oversight and protection, increasing the risk of criminal and terrorist activities,” he said.
“Our critical infrastructure, including energy, transportation, and communication sectors, becomes more susceptible to attacks if intelligence operations are compromised. Compromise of critical infrastructure can have far-reaching economic implications, affecting both domestic stability and international trade relations.”
Responding to Guardian Media’s questions via WhatsApp yesterday, Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West said while his organisation had the option of initiating an investigation into the transferring of the weapons from the TTPS to the SSA, it would simply monitor the police investigations into the matter.
He noted that Rowley’s revelations were concerning, but declined to comment on whether he felt a similar regulatory body to the PCA should be established to supervise the activities of the SSA to prevent misconduct.
No comment on ongoing SSA probe
DCP Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin also declined to respond to questions sent to her on the investigation.
Responding to Guardian Media’s questions through the TTPS corporate communications unit via WhatsApp yesterday, Martin said, “These investigations are being actively pursued, and we would be unable to comment at this time. A full disclosure would be made on completion.”
Guardian Media was unable to get answers on whether charges of sedition or treason were likely to be brought against members of the SSA due to the purported coup plot and whether ammunition unaccounted for could have been used to commit crimes.