By Sue-Ann Wayow
AS God was very selective in who was sent to lead the world – his son Jesus Christ, so too must citizens be selective in who they choose to serve them.
In his Christmas Day message that celebrates the birth of Christ, political leader of the National Transformation Alliance (NTA) Gary Griffith said, “On behalf of myself, my family, and my NTA family, I want to urge every citizen to pray, join that prayer with good and righteous actions, and to know that even as we face what appears to be our darkest hour, God always has a plan, and Good will always overcome evil.”
Griffith said while he supported Archbishop Jason Gordon’s call for all citizens to commit to justice and that corruption and difficulty in conducting business damages the country, he differed on some of his other comments that he made while addressing the Transparency Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, with specific reference to the role and function of the leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the Ministry of National Security and the Office of the Prime Minister itself, as it pertains to solving murders, and for reducing crime in general.
The former commissioner of police and minister of national security acknowledged that while no single person or officeholder could deal with the crime situation, it was the responsibility of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Acting Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob mainly more than any other citizen.
“Logically speaking, they have billions of dollars in resources at their disposal, and have powers bestowed on to them that the average citizen does not have,” Griffith said.
Referring to Gordon’s comments, Griffith said after seven years in office the Government has failed to pass important laws such as the whistleblower legislation and procurement legislation, to protect the nation’s patrimony.
As a Catholic himself, he stated, “Archbishop Gordon’s comments, crystalised the direction of my message for this special time of the year for Catholics, the Christian Community and indeed all citizens, as it reminds us all of why leadership matters, and why it is important for the right people, who embody strength and a deep desire for justice, that word again, to be placed in positions to lead.”
Griffith said, “I have the greatest respect for Archbishop Gordon and have sought his counsel on many occasions. This is why I know his message wasn’t about being political or about defending those charged with the responsibility to provide safety and security to citizens, our most basic human right. It was about reminding us not to stone or crucify, but rather to be united in purpose, something which I know most citizens also hold dear to their heart.”
