The National Security Ministry has confirmed that none of the 28 individuals who were terminated from the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) in March have been rehired. This statement comes in response to claims made by former commissioner of police, Gary Griffith, suggesting that almost half of the fired employees had been reinstated.
According to a release by the ministry, the terminations in March were carried out due to violations of the provisions outlined in the SSA Act and the SSA (Personnel) Regulations 2020. Specific reasons for the dismissals included the abolition of the unapproved tactical response team (TRT), which led to the termination of some employees on March 23, 2024.
Following the removal of then SSA director Major Roger Best, Brig Gen Anthony Phillips-Spencer was appointed as the new head of the agency. Additionally, a police raid on the home of SSA intelligence officer Ian Brown resulted in the suspension of several employees, including the deputy director of intelligence and members of a tactical response team comprised of former commandos.
Amidst these developments, various individuals like Best, Brown, Susan Portell-Griffith, and Sgt Sherwin Waldron faced legal troubles and gun-related charges. Prime Minister Rowley also disclosed disturbing findings from a SSA audit in Parliament, alleging a conspiracy by rogue members of the agency to overthrow the Government.
The controversy surrounding the SSA continues to unfold, with ongoing investigations shedding light on further details of the internal operations and potential misconduct within the agency.
