Griffith: Marisa had larger police security detail than National Security Minister

Eighteen year old star Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick was arguably the second most secure person in the country yesterday, as she attended a Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) press conference with more than double the police security detail of Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Only Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was likely to be as well guarded yesterday.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick (centre) was accompanied by five police officers at the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) press conference on 20 April 2016 at the Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings. (Courtesy Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick (centre) was accompanied by five police officers at the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) press conference on 20 April 2016 at the Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings.
(Courtesy Wired868)

Dick, who secured a spot for Trinidad and Tobago at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, had five policemen in tow when she appeared at yesterday’s press conference at the Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings.

The policemen were assigned due to alleged death threats that the star gymnast, who was born in Canada but has dual citizenship, received since she controversially replaced Thema Williams at the Rio Test event on April 17.

However, at least one gymnastics insider doubted whether Dick was directly threatened at all, with TTGF president David Marquez apparently bearing the brunt of the vitriol.

Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he felt the large police presence was highly unusual.

“There is no structured number (for police security), it is based on the threat assessment of the individual,” Griffith told Wired868. “So it will always vary. (But) there is no threat there that she should have security wrapped around her. That has to be more cosmetic than anything else.

“It must have been done to look good. I can’t see why she should have more security than (Opposition Leader) Kamla (Persad-Bissessar) or (National Security Minister) Edmund (Dillon) or even the AG (Faris Al-Rawi).”

Photo: PNM supporters poke fun at the outgoing Prime Minister on 7 September 2015 at Balisier House. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: PNM supporters poke fun at the outgoing Prime Minister on 7 September 2015 at Balisier House.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Griffith gave examples of police details assigned to ministers who received death threats during his tenure, as well as to the opposition leader.

“Under the People’s Partnership, there was a threat assessment and (Roodal) Moonilal had an officer assigned,” said Griffith. “That was one officer. McLeod also had one officer assigned him at one point…

“Then there was a situation with the leader of the opposition. That person could be in a position where nearly half of the country wouldn’t like you and there would be businessmen who could lose millions because you are targeting their contracts and so on.

“I set a precedent where the opposition leader would have (at least) two special branch officers at any one time.”

Griffith said the case for his own detail was different. The former minister was instrumental in shutting down the controversial Life Sport programme, which funnelled millions of dollars into the hands of alleged gangsters, including Jamaat-al-Muslimeen member Rajaee Ali, who is now imprisoned and awaiting trial for the murder of attorney Dana Seetahal.

Photo: Self-titled Muslim radical and Jamaat-al-Muslimeen member Rajaee Ali.
Photo: Self-titled Muslim radical and Jamaat-al-Muslimeen member Rajaee Ali.

At the height of Griffith’s “war” against multiple gangs throughout the country, he was guarded by four policemen.

“There were National Security ministers who did not need any security because they were giving gangs contracts to raise money and so on,” Griffith told Wired868. “I was different because I was bold enough to shut down an institution that was giving money to gangs. So I was stepping on the toes of gangsters.

“There was a clear and present danger in the case of what I was doing. At any one time, I would get up to four officers.”

Griffith said it was only if he was going for a walk around a hot spot like Laventille and Maloney, after an explosion of gang violence, that he would take closer to 10 or 12 policemen. So he said Dick’s detail raised eyebrows.

It is uncertain as to who assigned that many policemen to Dick and the TTGF for a press conference.

A source at the Ministry of Sport revealed that TTGF general secretary Elicia Peters Charles called the facility manager and requested to use the Hasely Crawford Stadium for its press conference. But only if the gymnastics board was guaranteed police protection.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation officials (from right) Ricardo Lue Shue, Elicia Peters-Charles and David Marquez pose with Sport Minister Darryl Smith (second from right). (Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation officials (from right) Ricardo Lue Shue, Elicia Peters-Charles and David Marquez pose with Sport Minister Darryl Smith (second from right).
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)

“She said the only way they would have the press conference at the stadium was if there would be security,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I understand the facility manager told her there would be security at the stadium as always. And said said no, they want police.

“She was then told that for any arrangements with the police, there would need to be a police report; because the police can only act on evidence and not hearsay…

“She called back later to say thanks for the offer but because we have security concerns, we feel you all can’t provide security for us.”

At the subsequent press conference in Westmoorings, Marquez revealed that board members had received death threats although, he claimed, the TTGF had only withdrawn Williams from the Test event in the interest of her health.

“We the same people in front of you (…) whose lives have been threatened—and that’s a fact,” said Marquez, “I can’t believe in this country this is where we’re reaching—because we cared about the athlete (Thema Williams).”

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Thema Williams (centre) hugs relatives as she is welcomed home from Rio by her fans at the Piarco International Airport on Wednesday 20 April 2016. (Courtesy Lou-Ann Sankar/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Thema Williams (centre) hugs relatives as she is welcomed home from Rio by her fans at the Piarco International Airport on Wednesday 20 April 2016.
(Courtesy Lou-Ann Sankar/Wired868)

Dick did not mention any threats to her life at all but instead shared her joy at securing Trinidad and Tobago a place at the upcoming Olympics. She said she had Williams’ support whenever she competed—including in Rio—and the feeling was mutual.

“I was really proud that Trinidad is going to be represented, whether it was myself or Thema,” said Dick. “It is just that gymnastics is a growing sport in Trinidad and Tobago and the Olympics is the biggest thing…

“Trinidad will be represented in the Olympics. It is just really exciting.”

Former TTGF coaching board representative Dale Ali, who resigned yesterday in protest against the board’s actions, claimed that the local gymnastics body has arguably hurt Dick more than Williams.

“The whole country would have been celebrating (Trinidad and Tobago getting a gymnastics spot in the Olympics) but (the TTGF) destroyed that,” Ali told Wired868, “and you mashed up Marisa more than Thema. The country hates Marisa and it is not her fault. She is a pawn.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick competes at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Marisa Dick competes at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.
Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

“Of course she wants to go to the Olympics and she wants to beat Thema. You are fighting for your spot. But that is healthy and it is the same in every gymnastics team in the world.

“So Marisa is not to blame. If anything, John (Geddert) opened the door for them (with his training report that criticised Williams’ training performance on Friday).”

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About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

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141 comments

  1. Police can’t come when you call for serious matters but they have time to protect a DICK……plzzzzzzz

  2. This is her lawyers and the TTGF trying to justify their invented hysteria….People want clarity and not this soap opera style that sporting body has…..Now they’re messing with our taxpayer dollars and retaining big money lawyers ???This girl better medal in Rio yeah ??

  3. Do they think that we are that spiteful and stupid? Her actions may have brought her unwanted attention (maybe) but if she and her band were honest, she wouldn’t feel threatened.

  4. This is one of the jokiest things I’ve ever heard. Nobody wants to harm Marisa. Although most wouldn’t mind pelting some lash behind Marques and “Lose” Shue. .
    Steups!

  5. now is this reasonable? Where in trinidad has anyone been featured in this manner? Is this now a Ministry of National security matter???

  6. all i want to know is, does Jamaica or any other Caricom country have a gymnast at the Olympics? So i can cheer them on instead!

  7. All yuh the people protecting dey *Dick* at all cost…

  8. She fraid the people she representing in Rio?

  9. 1 assigned…4 went to lime?
    #OnlyInTrinidad #NotEvenInTobago #CantMakeThisUp

  10. “The policemen were assigned due to alleged death threats that the star gymnast, who was born in Canada but has dual citizenship, received since she controversially replaced Thema Williams at the Rio Test event on April 17” Quote from the article take a scroll up and read the article..

  11. i cannot believe such foolishness,just an attempt to create some drama,just a spin to a tale that every day ,the more things change they remain the same,they want to remain “far from the madding crowd” public exposure is what they are afraid of.

  12. I think people understand that MD is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Any ill feeling is directed solely at the TTGF.

  13. its all theatre. I doubt they actually had death threats. but its the spectacle of the threatened little girl that we must empathise with…

  14. They claim that the TTGF board got death threats.

  15. why this overkill with security,the visible presence of uniformed personnel,one plain clothes person for close up protection,this is an overkill what s there to fear,is the danger real or perceived ,conscience is a hell of a thing,some one is uncomfortable with the matter in the court of public opinion ,the response to the unethical and cutthroat way the federation operated leaves a sour taste in all persons concerned.appeal to your hearts please resign and stop playing the role of the unrepentant sinner.

  16. Is the Marquez guy the same one connected to 51° night club???

  17. See here … I tried not to comment because I get distracted but here’s my one and a half cent’s worth of contribution … Foreign nations do not skip a beat to put out travel advisories when there is a spike in crime in T&T ..yes.. how responsible is the Canadian embassy with regard the alleged death threats to Marisa or is it because they decided that she is Trinbagonian so they are not getting involved…… How responsible are/is her parent/s because I will NEVER risk my children’s safety …. So is going to the Olympics more important than personal safety … What is the opportunity cost. they are willing to risk (her life?) Finally is it because having assessed the alleged threat neither Marisa’s parent/s think/s it necessary to take evasive actions …. Same for the Embassy … If there was never a threat does it not further erode public’s confidence in the TTGF and their credibility and is there not an offence for wasteful use of police time …. Just saying ..

    • Why should the Canadian embassy care? She’s a Trinidad and Tobago national in Trinidad and Tobago. Probably came in on her Trinidad and Tobago passport. Not her Canadian.

    • so her parent/s do not care either? Would you not seek to protect your child from real or perceived danger?

    • I’m not following. Apparently she had five police officers while everybody else had zero. I’m saying… The Canadian embassy sees her as a Trinidad and Tobago national in Trinidad and Tobago. They don’t “protect” any other Trinidad and Tobago nationals, why would they extend protection to her?

    • Chabeth Haynes stay with me …. so you have police protection … yes… what does all of that do to her psyche … would you not remove your child from ANY situation that threatens her physically emotionally or mentally?

    • At 18? From a small public event like a media conference? During daylight hours? At the chamber of commerce building which already has security? And she apparently has five police officers? Because people venting on social media? Nah…I really wouldn’t. But don’t call me a bad parent!

    • I am not saying you are a bad parent if you got that impression from my notes I apologize .. But I am saying I will never allow my child any way near any place from which she received death threats police protection or no .. I am always concerned for my children’s mental and emotional stability as well …. But this is just me …

    • Oh goodness, sweetie, no… I didn’t think you were saying that at all. I was just joking with you. No need for apologies.

  18. I’m waiting to see how this is interpreted abroad.

  19. Making this country look even worst who d ass want to kill

  20. Only last night I realise I know the President of ttgf personally….im surprise smh

  21. Are they really serious,,,,?????,,,my cousin died ,,after giving info to a matter he witnessed ,,my aunt begged the police for protection for her son,,,,they killed him please,,,,,tell me where or what are there priorities ,,????,look Na ,give me a damn break,Steupesssssssssss,,

  22. Thema is welcomed home as a Winner while Marisa requires Police to guard her. No law suits needed, this is the representation of who is Right and who is Wrong and needs security and excuses to back up their wrong doings. I’m talking about TTGF primarily.

  23. she had death threats and she smiling so? anyway … carry on

  24. I love the last two paragraphs wit Ali Nigel Tyrell P. Reid

  25. Who is responsible for this abuse? Mr. Commisioner ag. Please tell us

  26. I did not even know that she was in the country…no heros welcome, what a shame…I guess the feeling must be bittersweet for her…I hope the TTGF reflect on what they have done…

  27. The big security detail is clearly a ploy to win sympathy for Ms Dick. It is clear to me that she should not profit from what seems very much to be a very dishonest and vulgar orchestration to oust Ms Williams at the very last minute. Now is seems to have occurred even before the coach’s report reached the TTGF. Very nasty and very sad. For Ms Dick to be sent to Rio now would sanction the means by which she was selected – that could open the door for other sporting orgs to try similar actions.

  28. Five police officers were assigned to Marisa for her alleged death threats but none were assigned to the board members for theirs?

  29. Everything so they trying to add politics in smh

  30. This is absurd… And all of them pose off for pictures with a Dick….

  31. Geddert boy being honest and truthful in T&T is a liability.

  32. And this guy who resigned yesterday… Why he didn’t speak up before?

  33. Maybe a journalist with strong police sources can find out why five police officers were assigned. I think I have to get back to football now…

  34. This picture made me buss out laughing. It’s more for show than anything.
    We should have a CAPTION THIS! contest.

  35. This is a rediculous picture. I don’t know why but it bothers me

  36. Haaaaaaaaahahahaha
    Is the foreign blood, it more precious than local blood! LOL

  37. Does Gary miss an opportunity for self praise… ??

  38. I was wondering what d hell i was seeing

  39. @Wired868 I find it laughable and extremely disturbing that past ministers who received death threats had only one and two officers. ?

  40. Who paying for this security and why?

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