Benjamin Takes Charge As Guevarro Goes On Emergency Leave

Benjamin Takes Charge as Guevarro Goes on Emergency Leave

Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has assumed the day-to-day leadership responsibilities of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) while Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro is reportedly on emergency leave.

Benjamin, the most senior Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed in an interview with I.A.N. News on Sunday, August 16, that he has been carrying out the leadership responsibilities of the Service since Thursday, August 13, although he has not been formally appointed Acting Commissioner of Police by the Police Service Commission (PolSC).

His comments came after Opposition MP and PNM Chairman Marvin Gonzales publicly raised questions about Guevarro’s absence, including whether the Commissioner had left the country and whether arrangements had been made for someone to formally act in the position.

Asked whether Guevarro was currently in Trinidad and Tobago, Benjamin said he could not confirm the Commissioner’s location.

“I can’t really say whether he is in. I honestly cannot say,” Benjamin said.

However, Benjamin said it was his understanding that Guevarro had requested emergency leave.

When asked whether the Police Service Commission had communicated with him about being formally appointed Acting Commissioner, Benjamin responded: “No, no, no.”

Despite the absence of a formal acting appointment, Benjamin said his position as the most senior DCP meant he was performing the leadership responsibilities required to keep the Police Service functioning.

He pointed to a similar situation in 2025 when the Service operated without an immediate formal appointment at the top.

“The police service did not fall down. It continued to function because this system is much bigger than just one individual,” Benjamin said.

Pressed on whether he was effectively acting in the Commissioner’s role, Benjamin responded: “Certainly. I’m the most senior DCP and therefore I’m the most senior DCP. I am acting in that role at this time.”

Benjamin nevertheless stressed that Guevarro remains Commissioner of Police and said the Service continues to operate as a team.

“Right now, the Commissioner is in charge of the police service and he is communicating [with us] on a regular basis,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin indicated that he has been performing the leadership role within the TTPS since Thursday, August 13.

At a PNM media briefing, Gonzales questioned Guevarro’s absence and called on Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in her capacity as Chair of the National Security Council, to clarify whether an acting arrangement had been established.

Benjamin’s account indicates a distinction between the practical leadership of the Police Service and a formal appointment as Acting Commissioner. While he says he has assumed the responsibilities associated with being the most senior officer, he said no formal acting appointment had been communicated to him by the Police Service Commission.

Benjamin identified the Police Service Commission as the authority responsible for matters relating to the Commissioner’s leave and formal acting appointments.