Jamaica, Guyana to help probe missing ammo

MINISTER of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds named five individuals who will form a team to investigate the disappearance from the defence force (TTDF) of over 25,000 bullets, said a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on February 20.

The team will be joined by military representatives from Jamaica and Guyana. It will be serviced by a senior counsel and a junior counsel.

The statement said at a Cabinet meeting on February 21, Hinds raised the allegation that 25,573 rounds of 5.56 ammunition had disappeared from the Cumuto Barracks of the regiment.

"This serious allegation was the topic of concern for the Government, and in particular, the members of Cabinet who share the concerns of the population.

"To that end, and following today’s discussions, Cabinet has decided to establish a team to conduct a thorough audit of the records, armoury and storage facilities at the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment’s Cumuto Barracks and any related matter."

The team will include: Ret Colonel Lyle Alexander (co-chairman), Ret ACP Wellington Virgil , Ret ACP Martin Murrain, Ret Colonel Michael Clarke, and Ret Warrant Officer Wayne Ngui.

Due to Prime Minister's direct intervention, the team will also include two military officers from Caricom countries, one of whom will be the team’s co-chairman.

The release said both the Guyanese President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, have agreed to have officers from their respective defence forces join the probe.

The ministry was mandated to provide the team with an appropriate secretariat which will include one senior counsel and one junior counsel, the statement added.

Regarding operations to actually recoup the missing ammunition, Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin on February 17 at a media briefing at CID headquarters in Port of Spain told reporters the police service and defence force were investigating together.

"I would just want to say that at this time it is a matter that is engaging the police attention and we will continue to investigate the matter, understanding that there must be a level of professionalism as we deal with it as well.

"So we are looking into that matter and as we look into it, we would keep the public up to date accordingly."

Asked how this disappearance could have happened, Benjamin said, "The investigation is continuing and we would not want to go into it and to make any further comments on it. I just want to say let the investigation have its course. And as we get further information, we will make the public aware at that given time."