In Trinidad and Tobago, the recent clash between Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and former Commissioner Gary Griffith has sparked intense debate amidst the ongoing State of Emergency (SOE). Guevarro urged citizens to support the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) rather than heed the critiques from what he termed ‘keyboard warriors.’ He emphasized a shift in policing strategy towards ‘precision-guided intervention’ and called for public partnership in maintaining law and order, dismissing critics as lacking real policing experience.
Griffith responded sharply, accusing Guevarro of arrogance and questioning his decisions regarding the SOE. He pointed out inconsistencies in Guevarro’s actions, such as issuing a media release before government approval and hosting a conference prematurely. Griffith stressed that true leadership requires accountability and criticized Guevarro’s remarks as an attempt to silence public dissent. He highlighted the erosion of public trust in the police force, attributing it to leadership styles that dismiss citizen concerns. This exchange reveals deep divisions within the police leadership and raises questions about the future of public confidence in law enforcement during this critical period.
