PM reveals probe into SSA still unfolding

A final report on the probe into the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) will be available sometime in the not-too-distant future, says Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

The Prime Minister indicated this in Parliament yesterday after being asked by Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal when the final report of an audit of personnel, equipment, and processes at the SSA had been completed. Moonilal asked if it was submitted to Government by the acting head of the SSA Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer.

In March, the National Security Council (NSC) recommended to Cabinet that the SSA’s head be replaced immediately. He was sent on leave, and his employment was later terminated.

An audit began into the operations of the SSA.

Yesterday, Rowley said while the probe into the agency was not yet complete, Government has received interim reports on aspects of that operation.

“And one of the documents Government would have received—arising from the work that’s being done and the various reports—is a new organisational chart, which is currently before the National Security Council for consideration,” Rowley added.

“The work continues, and we expect that—to put it as how the MP (Moonilal) has put it—a final report will be available sometime in the not too distant future,” he added.

Pressed by Moonilal as to why the final report was still incomplete, Rowley said, “You can’t have a final report while the matter you’re investigating is in fact continuing to unfold. And that’s where we are.

“We will not try to have a final report by a particular date if in fact, we do not have the complete picture of the situation. And we are in fact continuing to investigate the matter.”

AG getting advice

Meanwhile, Rowley also said Attorney General Reginald Armour was seeking legal advice on the report of the Commission of Enquiry into the attempted 1990 coup. Responding to a question from Naparima MP Rodney Charles, who wanted to know the status after Parliament was advised on April 26 this year that the Attorney General was preparing government’s response.

The Prime Minister said the Attorney General was seeking legal advice on the report.

“He will in the normal scheme of things, advise the Cabinet once this exercise has been completed,” Rowley added.

The post PM reveals probe into SSA still unfolding first appeared on CNC3.