The National Security Joint Select Committee (JSC) chairman, Keith Scotland, has announced that an inquiry into matters related to the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) will be conducted when the new parliamentary session begins in September. This decision was made following a letter from Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell requesting an urgent inquiry into the SSA and related matters.
Mitchell expressed concerns over national security and the importance of addressing public concerns surrounding the SSA. He suggested summoning key individuals to a meeting to answer questions from committee members. The JSC recently questioned Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher about police investigations pertaining to the SSA, to which she responded cautiously due to the delicate nature of the issue.
Prime Minister Dr. Rowley clarified that his statement in Parliament regarding the SSA did not compromise any ongoing investigations. He emphasized the importance of allowing multiple lines of criminal investigations and audits to proceed to conclusion. Rowley highlighted some concerning findings from the internal audit of the SSA, including surreptitious hiring practices and the acquisition of firearms and ammunition.
Notably, former SSA acting director Major Roger Best was terminated following questionable procurement practices. The audit also revealed discrepancies in ammunition inventory and usage, prompting further investigations by the police. Efforts are underway to rebuild the SSA’s operations to ensure compliance with the law and enhance national security. The upcoming parliamentary session will shed more light on these critical security matters.
