Caption: Gary Griffith

Summary

• Breaking His Silence: Commissioner of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro has publicly fired back at former CoP Gary Griffith’s constant criticisms, stating that he is strictly apolitical and focused solely on his duty to Trinidad and Tobago.
• Slamming Griffith’s Record: Guevarro highlighted that Griffith’s tenure left the TTPS hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, sparked three separate audits into the Firearm Permit Unit, and resulted in costly legal judgments that stymied police promotions.
• Defending His Success: In contrast, Guevarro noted that his first nine months in office saw the largest percentage reduction in homicides ever recorded and the safest Carnival season since the early 2000s—all achieved without pandemic-era lockdowns.

 

 

By Alicia Chamely

COMMISSIONER of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro is firing back at former CoP Gary Griffith’s criticisms, saying his loyalty is to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and that he remains apolitical in his position.

He is also calling on Griffith to refer to the “facts,” which will show the effectiveness of his leadership, unlike Griffith, whose term involved numerous legal matters and left the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in “hundreds of millions of dollars” of debt.

On Wednesday evening, Guevarro, via a voice note sent to the media, explained his decision to respond to Griffith, whom he did not name directly. He said, “Since I assumed office as Commissioner of Police, a former office holder has chosen to publicly criticize virtually every single decision I have taken. I have deliberately refrained from responding because leadership requires discipline, focus, and an understanding that not every provocation deserves attention.”

Guevarro said, however, that in light of recent questions posed by the media, he decided to address Griffith’s criticisms directly.

He said, “I will address the matter clearly, and I do hope for the final time. I have never voted in any election. I am proud of my apolitical status. I have no desire for political office, nor have I ever held membership in any political party. My loyalty is to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, not to any political organisation, nor do I harbour any ambition of entering politics, nor do I hold any delusions of grandeur that belong to another individual who is now a former Commissioner of Police.”

Taking a swipe at Griffith’s political career, Guevarro said, “His repeated attempts at elected office have been rejected time and time again by the population, and that is a matter of public record.

“They don’t want you. I think he actually lost his deposit. I will not be drawn into his personal grievances or his attempts to remain relevant by attacking the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service,” he added.

Guevarro took aim at Griffith’s term as CoP, pointing out that after three years, Griffith left the TTPS in “hundreds of millions of dollars” of debt, referencing the Finance Ministry’s Central Audit Committee Report from 2017 to 2021.

“That is interesting reading, which I am sure will have the media salivating,” he added.

Continuing his criticism of Griffith, he said, “He forgot that the Firearm Permit Unit had to undergo three separate audits, all of which covered his tenure as Commissioner of Police, and that several officers who are attached to that unit were arrested and charged and are currently before the court.

“Also, several of his incorrect administrative decisions have been the subject of several court judgments and have stymied promotions in the service currently. All of these were consequences of his failure to properly understand and execute the responsibilities of the office he held. But then again, he was never a police officer,” he added.

Guevarro said that, in contrast, under his short tenure thus far, the TTPS has seen major successes in reducing crime.

He said, “My nine months in office ended with the largest percentage reduction in homicides ever recorded in this country.

“This reduction occurred without curfews, lockdowns, or restrictions on movement, unlike the period in which he mismanaged the TTPS.”

He continued, “Trinidad and Tobago recorded its lowest annual homicide figure since 2011, and the 2026 Carnival season concluded with only 19 serious reported crimes, the lowest since the early 2000s.

“These achievements belong to the hardworking men and women of the TTPS who have embraced a renewed focus on accountability, intelligence-driven policing, and community partnership,” he said.

Saying that he had been advised not to respond to Griffith because “if you argue with a fool, he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience,” Guevarro said he would no longer be engaging with the “distractions, distortions, or theatrics” of any individual who sought to undermine the TTPS.

Guevarro ended his statement by saying, “My focus remains on public safety, institutional integrity, and delivering results for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”