Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith is calling for the immediate removal of the Minister of Homeland Security following the release of individuals who were detained for weeks under Preventive Detention Orders.
In a statement, Griffith said the decision to detain the individuals, followed by the order for their release, represented “total incompetence at the highest level” and warned that the matter could cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Griffith criticised the Minister’s decision to authorise the detentions based on “credible intelligence” without charges being laid, arguing that the information should have been developed into evidence capable of supporting criminal charges.
He said the Government’s reliance on intelligence in the absence of evidence raised serious concerns about citizens’ right to freedom.
“This is tantamount to what takes place in a police state or a dictatorial country,” Griffith said.
He also accused the Minister of misleading the public by suggesting the documents relating to the detention orders were simply presented for his signature, saying the Minister had the sole authority under the law to approve the orders.
“He is not a rubber stamp,” Griffith said.
Griffith claimed the situation could result in legal costs amounting to tens of millions of dollars and said taxpayers should not be the only ones to bear the consequences.
“The consequences must not be borne solely through the pockets of taxpayers,” he said.
He also compared the situation to the 2002 Brent Thomas matter under the former PNM administration, where he said government actions contributed to public backlash against that administration.
Griffith maintained that the use of “credible intelligence” as the basis for detention was dangerous because it relied on the judgement of an individual minister.
“A head must roll,” he said, repeating his call for the Minister of Homeland Security to be fired.
