T&T Prime Minister Never Directed Any Promotion In Defence Force

The Minister of National Security wishes to refute erroneous claims made by Laventille East/Morvant Member of Parliament Donna Cox, that officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) were unfairly promoted at the request of the Prime Minister.

MP Cox claimed during the 2014/ 2015 budget debate that the Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had passed a list of names to Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj, with the request that those persons be promoted.

At no time did this take place, either verbally or via correspondence by the Prime Minister.

Minister Griffith wishes to confirm that in no instance can promotion within the TTDF be influenced or directed by any persons within or outside the organization, as promotions are based on a series of factors including course participation, qualification, and exemplary performance.

It is unfortunate that attempts have been made to create discord among members of the TTDF through unchecked claims, especially at a time when collaboration of the Law Enforcement Personnel is at its highest in working to weed out criminal elements from our society.

The Minister of National Security wishes to assure members of the TTDF as well as citizens that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) continues to uphold a fair and unbiased promotion system.

The Minister of National Security reaffirms his full support for, and recognition of the integrity of personnel advancement systems and procedures in the Defence Force. The Minister also wishes to reassure citizens of the Defence Force’s uncompromising adherence to the highest professional standards in all aspects of it’s institutional life including it’s promotion system.

13th September 2014.