National Transformation Alliance political leader Gary Griffith expressed grave concern about the state of democracy in Trinidad and Tobago during the commemoration of the 1990 attempted coup. He warned that the current government was infringing on the independence of crucial institutions, likening their actions to a “democratic dictatorship.”
Griffith highlighted the recent case of firearm dealer Brent Thomas, who was unlawfully detained and returned to Trinidad from Barbados. He pointed out that even police officers needed approval from the Minister of National Security to leave the country, raising questions about the government’s involvement in such actions.
The NTA leader criticized the lack of response from authorities to their concerns, noting that recommendations made after the attempted coup had been dismantled over the years. He emphasized the importance of preventing a repeat of 1990 and expressed disappointment that the government had not taken sufficient steps to do so.
Regarding recent allegations of a plot to overthrow the government by rogue members of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), Griffith questioned the lack of arrests and the impact of such actions on TT’s international relations. He also expressed worry about potential lawsuits from the 28 SSA employees who were terminated.
Griffith’s remarks underscored the urgent need to safeguard democracy in Trinidad and Tobago and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
