Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says his absence from the jurisdiction followed the established process and protocols after he was granted five days of emergency leave by the Minister of Homeland Security.
In an audio release from the TTPS, Commissioner Guevarro pushed back against speculation surrounding his absence and the appointment of an Acting Commissioner of Police.
He says the appointment of the Acting Commissioner is governed by law and falls within the mandate of other bodies.
“I am aware of the public commentary surrounding my absence and the appointment of an Acting Commissioner. That process does not fall within the remit of the TTPS or the Commissioner of Police. It is governed by law and the appropriate authorities acting in accordance with their respective mandates. So those who chose to politicise the matter and attempted to manufacture scandal and bacchanal, all I will say is this: your petticoat is showing.”
The Commissioner declined to disclose the reason for his emergency travel, saying he is not at liberty to discuss the matter; however, he is reassuring the public that the Police Service remained stable during his absence.
“As for those who felt that Rome was burning in my absence, I want to reassure you that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is an institution built on structure, continuity and contingency. It has a robust hierarchical framework supported by competent executive officers who are fully capable of maintaining operational stability at all times. Leadership transitions, temporary or otherwise, are not a crisis. They are part of the organisation’s design.”