CoP's vacation cancelled

JUST DAYS after announcing he was going on vacation, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith said he was advised not to by National Security Minister Stuart Young and the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday Griffith, who appeared reluctant to make the announcement, said he had been told that now, given all that is happening, is not the best time to vacate his position.

Griffith was granted exemption to leave the country to visit his son, who is playing professional football in Ireland.

After the announcement, many people took to social media to criticise his vacation, saying there were many stranded nationals fighting to get in the country while he was being allowed to leave and re-enter with ease.

Griffith explained, “There were discussions held with (the) Minister of National Security and myself...as well as the PSC and myself, over the last 24 hours.

"Because of the present situation that is ongoing regarding the serious investigation that may involve senior officers in the TTPS and Defence Force, it may be not the right time for me to go on vacation. Based on that, now may not be the best time to go on vacation. I will not be going on leave tomorrow, and I will be back in office until further notice.”

In his absence, acting DCP Mc Donald Jacob was supposed to act as commissioner.

Griffith said on Tuesday that he planned on working while on vacation and would be closely monitoring all current major investigations.

He said then: “These investigations are far from over and I am personally spearheading each and every one of them.

"My absence will not affect the investigations going on. I will be in briefings with them (his deputies) daily. I will be heavily involved in all these investigations.

"That of course will be bad news for the criminals.”