Guevarro on Emergency Leave; Benjamin Leads Police Service Without Formal Acting Appointment

The absence of Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has raised questions about the current leadership within the force. Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, the most senior DCP, confirmed to I.A.N. News that he is currently performing the leadership role, although no formal acting appointment has been made by the Police Service Commission.

Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales publicly questioned whether Guevarro had left the jurisdiction and whether arrangements for an acting Commissioner were in place. In response, Benjamin stated that inquiries regarding the Commissioner’s leave should be directed to the Police Service Commission, which is responsible for such approvals. He further admitted he could not confirm Guevarro’s current location.

Benjamin revealed that an emergency leave had been requested by Guevarro, and while he has not been formally appointed as Acting Commissioner, he is overseeing the police service’s operations as the most senior officer. “The police service did not fall down,” Benjamin remarked, recalling a similar situation in 2025 when he had provided leadership without a formal appointment.

Despite the absence of a formal acting title, Benjamin emphasized that the police service continues to function effectively, with him assuming leadership responsibilities since August 13th. He stated that Guevarro remains in communication and maintains his role as Commissioner.

Meanwhile, Gonzales has called on Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to clarify whether a formal acting arrangement is in place. Attempts to reach Minister Alexander for comments were unsuccessful, leaving questions about the leadership of the police service unresolved.