Gary Griffith Condemns Comments by Philip Edward Alexander as Irresponsible and Vindictive
Former national security minister Gary Griffith has strongly condemned remarks made by government minister Philip Edward Alexander, describing them as among the most “disgusting, irresponsible, and unacceptable” statements ever made by a public official in Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking during the Christmas season, Griffith said the period should be one of reflection, compassion, and service
particularly for those in positions of authority. Instead, he argued, Alexander’s comments revealed a vindictive and deeply troubling mindset that undermines the very purpose of public office.
The Pothole Controversy
Griffith’s response followed a video in which Alexander addressed complaints from residents in Westmoreland North about severe potholes and poor road conditions. In the video, Alexander suggested that residents had endured poor infrastructure for years under the previous administration and then “voted for potholes” by supporting the People’s National Movement (PNM). He went further, implying that because those constituencies did not vote for the United National Congress (UNC), they should accept the poor state of the roads and that the government should do nothing to fix them.
Griffith described this as a shocking statement coming from a government minister, particularly one who has no responsibility or authority over road repairs, which fall under the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Local Government.
“A Failure of Leadership”
According to Griffith, Alexander’s remarks represent a serious failure of leadership, marked by what he called “stupidity, vindictiveness, and arrogance.” He argued that the comments demonstrate a complete misunderstanding of governance and public service, which must be delivered to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Griffith emphasized that the official policy of the government is not to punish or neglect constituencies based on how they voted. His criticism, he said, was directed specifically at Alexander, whom he accused of repeatedly embarrassing his colleagues by acting outside his portfolio and speaking irresponsibly.
Dangerous and Divisive Logic
Griffith warned that Alexander’s reasoning sets a dangerous precedent. He pointed out that fewer than one-third of voters supported the PNM nationally, meaning that, by Alexander’s logic, the remaining two-thirds of citizens including UNC voters, supporters of other parties, and non-voters would all be condemned to suffer from withheld public services.
He also rejected arguments that such behavior merely mirrors what previous governments may have done, noting that vindictiveness and refusal to serve all citizens are precisely why governments are voted out of office.
To illustrate the absurdity of the argument, Griffith posed a series of rhetorical questions:
Would a future government be justified in shutting down police stations in certain areas? Withholding water in Couva? Cutting electricity in Siparia? Refusing to repair roads in Chaguanas? He described such scenarios as “totally ridiculous and unacceptable.”
Public Safety at Risk
Griffith stressed that refusing to repair roads is not a trivial matter. Potholes can and do cause serious accidents and even loss of life. He said it was unconscionable for a government minister to suggest that such risks are acceptable simply because a constituency did not vote for his party.
A Call for Responsibility
As the country approaches the new year, Griffith issued a plea to all elected officials ministers, members of parliament, councillors, and politicians alike to never allow hate, bitterness, or political anger to influence the delivery of essential services.
He urged leaders to remember their oath of office, which requires them to serve all citizens, not only political supporters. Griffith argued that Alexander’s comments violate that oath and keep the minister locked in campaign mode months after the election, damaging the image of a government attempting to govern responsibly.
Griffith concluded by saying that while Alexander’s “India would nuke Venezuela” remark had previously been considered the most absurd statement by a government politician, these latest comments now rival and possibly surpass it in irresponsibility.
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