Minister Alexander Calls For Unity Within TTPS, Urges Support For Commissioner Guevarro
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has issued a direct call for unity within the ranks of the Police Service.
Speaking during the TTPS Passing-Out Ceremony on Monday evening, he warned that internal division and lack of support among the leadership will no longer be tolerated.
“If there are persons sitting there who think for one reason or another that they’re no longer willing to serve a piece of paper with your name on it, that you would have come to an end of your service, that you no longer want to serve and have someone replace you. It’s as simple as that. You cannot go forward in an institution where you are fighting each other.”
During his address, Minister Alexander intentionally turned to address officials of the TTPS Executive, warning that internal division within the service is undermining national security.
“But the members of the public on the outside have seen it. The criminal element has seen it and that is why sometimes they walk without you noticing them because you are thinking about other things, and they are passing right before you with an AR-15. The time has come: either you bond together or please allow us by any lawful means necessary to separate you from the pack.”
The Minister urged the executive to rally behind Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, who he said has been going the “extra mile.”
“If you have a Commissioner of Police willing to support you, support. The race has already gone. There’s no application for Commissioner of Police so there’s no reason to feel hurt that you did not get through with the job. Just do the job or get out and let somebody else do the job.”
Ending his speech, he had one last warning: “If you know that you have reached the stage where you’re no longer supportive of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and your members, do like what I’m about to do right now and walk away.”
Speaking with the media after his address, Minister Alexander further explained the rationale behind his statement: “It’s all about the love for country. You see, and today we had so much of young men and women willing to serve. It’s just love for country and the love for service.”
