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In a Trinidad Guardian article published on 12 October 2016, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi claimed that his family received a threat assessment and instruction from the Defence Force after “umpteen death threats” since he assumed office.
“The security agencies indicated that it was imperative that international protocols for training [when] people are exposed to threats had to be delivered by the security forces to me and to my family,” Al-Rawi told the Guardian. “[…] Upon the instructions of the army in particular, my family was taken up to the Cumuto base where instructions [about] threats to our persons were provided.”
(Copyright Elections.TT)
By letter to Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams on 13 April 2017, Fixin’ T&T asked whether the threats to the Attorney General were reported to the Police and, if yes, when. Williams, according to Fixin’ T&T, is yet to respond.
The following are responses from then Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj to Fixin’ T&T questions on Al-Rawi’s trip to Cumuto, which culminated in photographs of his children using high-power weapons:
I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12 June 2017, on the subject at caption. I have read the article published in the Trinidad Guardian on 12 October 2016 and I have noted the comments made by the Attorney General, the Honourable Faris Al-Rawi.
Your letter listed seven questions being asked of me in relation to the article referenced in the Trinidad Guardian. I wish to advise that given the likelihood of this matter being brought before the Courts in Trinidad and Tobago, I am exercising caution where, in my opinion, I should reserve that right pursuant to my own interests.
In view of the above please be advised of my responses to your questions as follows:
(Courtesy News.Gov.tt)
Fixin T&T: As the CDS were you a member of the National Security Council?
Retired General Maharaj: I was not a member. I was a primary advisor to the NSC on matters of defence and security. In that regard, my attendance at NSC meetings was upon the direction of the Chairman (The Prime Minister), the Minister of National Security or on my own request if I needed to inform or propose on matters pertaining to the Defence Force.
Fixin T&T: As the CDS would you be among those advised of threats made to the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago?
Maharaj: My expectation (based on experience) is in the affirmative, since the Defence Force provides close protection services to the Attorney General. Moreover, the CDS, as head of the Armed Forces should continually be kept updated on the threat environment especially at the strategic and operational levels.
Fixin T&T: Were you at any time at all aware of threats made to the Attorney General Farris Al-Rawi and Minister Stewart Young?
Maharaj: No I was not.
(Copyright Shaun Rambaran/forge.co.tt)
Fixin T&T: Is it conventional practice for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) to conduct threat assessments and subsequently give instructions to Government Ministers?
Maharaj: The term “threat assessment” is a wide ranging one that spans a broad spectrum of national security interests. At the highest level it is an integrated process. At the operational level it is based on joint efforts of the TTDF and TTPS and other relevant stakeholders. However, given law enforcement primacy when the issue is that of threats to individuals (citizens) it falls under the remit of the Police (TTPS) who may seek the assistance of the TTDF in intelligence gathering efforts and analysis.
If directed by the Minister of National Security, the TTDF may be engaged on occasions, to conduct threat assessments on critical national infrastructure on land or in the maritime domain. This is also a matter of government policy on national security.
With respect to the giving of instructions to Government Ministers, the TTDF is not so legislatively positioned or authorized.
(Copyright Trinidad Guardian)
Fixin T&T: As the CDS would you necessarily know of any threat assessment conducted and subsequent instruction given to any Government Minister by the TTDF?
Maharaj: Since the primary responsibility for the threat assessment of Government Ministers resides with the Special Branch TTPS, it is possible that such an assessment can be undertaken without my knowledge. But in respect of the TTDF, there are several serious contraventions to military Regulations, Orders and Chain of Command systems, if a TTDF person is acting independently on the basis of instructions from an external entity regarding the conduct of a threat assessment on a Government Minister.
As stated in response to the previous question, the TTDF does not give instructions to Government Ministers. However, under the ambit of Standard Operating Procedures applicable to personal protection services, the issuing of instructions to a Government Minister in relation to threats to his/her person must be placed in context.
A Personal Protection Specialist is duty-bound to issue instructions during a situation of violence or when there is a clear and present danger affecting a Principal (a Protected Person). These instructions would form part of the reaction to effective enemy fire drills together with all other actions taken to protect the Principal.
Fixin T&T: If the TTDF becomes aware of threats to the Attorney General can and/or does the TTDF take an independent and unilateral action to investigate and determine the veracity of same?
Maharaj: No unilateral action would be taken by the TTDF in such circumstances. Information would be provided to the TTPS whose duty/responsibility it is to investigate, confirm and advise the Executive on such threats. The TTDF would provide support to the TTPS as requested or transmit information gathered that may assist the TTPS in its investigations.
Fixin T&T: Can anyone other than a member of the TTDF authorize or extend invitations to a military compound?
Maharaj: The Minister of National Security can “authorize” persons to visit a military base in specific/special circumstances in consultation with the Chief of Defence Staff. In such circumstances, the “authority” is in essence an “approval” for a visit which is ultimately managed by communicating ( through the office of the CDS), the intent and details of such a visit to the Commanding Officer of the respective Formation (Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Reserves) applying the necessary protocols, security and administrative arrangements, control measures and supervision.
It should be noted that the authority of the Minister of National Security is provided for in Sections 8 and 191 of the Defence Act. No other non-TTDF person can exercise authority as outlined or implied in the question.
(Copyright CNC3)
I trust that the above responses will assist in your efforts to unearth the truth that we all seek in the matter pertaining to the children of the Attorney General handling high-powered weapons belonging to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Sincerely,
Kenrick Maharaj Major General (Retired)
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These lying politicians trying to get the man in trouble
Who next you lie about rawie
“In a letter dated July 18, signed by current CDS Smart, the TTDF apologised to Maharaj for naming him as responsible for that situation.
In this letter, the TTDF now states the granting of approval “would normally be approved by the chain of command through the delegated authority of the Chief of Defence Staff and subject to the necessary protocols being put in place by way of an administrative instruction”.
The TTDF stated the findings of its board of inquiry (BOI) were classified as “top secret”, which means while absolving Maharaj of responsibility in this matter, it will not say who was directly responsible for placing high-powered weapons in the hands of the AG’s two children.”
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170720/news/defence-force-apologises-to-maharaj
So, what’s the truth and who is taking responsibility for such unlawful actions?
They tried to make a scapegoat of the former CoD Kenrick maharaj but they got caught with their ‘pants down’. Plain & simple.
What did u expect
Just fade away nah! Yuh making ‘d wuk’ look bad for a big General
How much lower would the opposition stoop.
Now trinidadans lets think are little bit. If I was the AG and my family was under all this shit as he claiming I would call the police or tell my boss or my frend something ??????????
Speak the truth stop beating around the Bush
My ppl no who say what the AG approved his children to do that NOT THINKING that it would reach this far. Even if you’re smoothe with golden lyrics and a golden tongue the facts are facts. Don’t try to weasel out. Do the right and honorable thing and resign and if you don’t and Dr Rowley downplays it because he’s your friend then he and all who defend these actions will pay politically because if any Trini is caught holding a gun he will be charged. No one is above the Law not the PM not the AG nobody is and that’s a fact
Facebook showing how illiterate ignorant can have a say! You are one! You have no idea about matters of state. Personalities don’t matter. Certain ranks have certain privileges. Just vote, hush and hope yuh party win and let intelligent people talk for u
Mr. Hodge not because the phone sometimes change your words makes me illiterate. Tell me that you’ve never made a mistake like that in your messages. Trying to misdirect others from the fact of what Faris children did and the consequences does not help. It was wrong but you have not yet attained the wisdom to know that because you bypassed it intentionally to distract. It will not and surely did not work. If you who is most unaware of my intelligence and literature skills wish you can check my previous posts. What is wrong is wrong no matter who does it. That’s a fact.
Thats their strategy…distract from the truth
They have been doing it from day 1 !!!
Faris u want others to cover stuff for u bro u not even worth it why other people my lie for u because they r not like u shameless AG u r not fit to be an AG of this great country go back in ur hole bro that will be nice if u do that
That’s a very good question faris who is so stupid to kill u bro for a AG u can really lie bro how do sleep at night when u have to confest to the lord u will be carrying ur sins by the truck loads faris i do know one thing u can real lie u study that how nice so u is above the law u know what they do with people like u bro they sand bag you cuz and no one will ever see u again not even ur family or ur boss so my advise to u is stop the lying on others u can change everything comes out ur face is nothing but lies so cut the crap ok
Cut an plenty pasteeeee. Is ah ranking thing
Something not adding up 1and1 is 2 but it looking like 1and 1equal 11 wat ah ting somebody not speaking de truth
Lies and more lies
so WTF, you have to know everything, there is a reason you did not know, so stop your effing sour grapes.
hey bai deal with the crime, and stimulate growth in the economy nar
No shame lying and calling respectable people’s names.
Oooooooh like bachannnnal lol
No longer the land of steelband and calypso; but the land of bacchanal after bacchanal !!!
Now he says that , probably thinking of a political office
In this country, when you stand up for your rights you are a UNC.
In spite of all d he say n she say…this incident to have youths handling weapons is totally wrong. No parent should allow this.. Have we gone mad in this nation. No approval by anyone can justify this wrong. If d PM cannot say wrong is wrong..then maybe the President.
That’s kamla boy what els do you’ll expect from him
Lies…lies…lies..only lues from government
Bret soak he tail Down he can’t talk
We all know if he was the head of any regiment of any first world country the media would be ripping him to shreds
all kinda excuses wid farris…..
,who will want to kill faris these guy to society done dead already. cause nobody takes dem on
Maybe the ones who killed Dana……maybe….
So when we agree is “information ” and when we don’t is “politics “…
Maharaj…not d same person who went with Jack to F up d highway protesters camp and got an extension as Brigader f ing up the man next in line chance to lead? …that same Maharaj?
He was also a political appointee by the UNC gov’t because they bypassed who was next in line and had him appointed CDS.
Wat ah twist
Thank God he retired then.
Keep in mind there were supposed to be two investigations initially, a TTPS and TTDF. So, when are we going to get the outcome of TTPS? Or would that have been affected by the TTDF one?
And clearly, many would have questions about the TTDF one.
Starting with, why was no police report ever made about alleged death threat?
Did the AG and his wife benefit from said training also?
It was established that Stuart Young was at venue. Did he also engage in such training? Why? Was there also a threat to his life? Was it reported, if so?
Was the log ever examined or verified?
He can be used .just as how Jack Warner used him to break down the re-route movement tent foolish man
I am not reading this. I know in a professional capacity one does not vent to ALL and sundry. If former CDS felt wronged then he has another way to voice his concerns. This has degraded into a political bacchanal – he says she says.
This is dishonor displayed despicably.
Give this man a rounds of applause
Can i take my children to camp cumuto to learn how to protect from death treats to as a matter of fact all law abiding citizens should be given dat opportunity
The police said months ago they received no formal complaint from the AG about any death threats
The CDS has demit office. He may not be entitled to the use of dignified chains of communication but may choose to communicate as an ordinary citizen. If he had any such powers he would have been involved officially but he had said previously that up to this date he was never officially contacted.
Mr Marcano this man’s name and reputation is being tarnished in the public domain. He has every right to defend his honor. If you know the slightest about anything staying silent or not replying to accusations means you have accepted the accusition. He damn right to clear his name on the same stage they are trying to discredit him.
When the DF chose to go public with their statement, he has every right to respond in kind. The professional failing originated from the desk of the person who made the statement public. And how this issue can be seen to be political is trying to use bullshit to baffle brains.
The word FORMER changes the whole scenario…he is no longer obligated to his employer #hefreetotalk
Sad
He felt compelled to clear his name….given the fact that it is clearly a cover up
Rojan Mohammed granted that lets be honest name one developed country where a former defence force head will release such info to the media? Lol none?
Sharon Lee-Garcia I was about to say the same thing in response to Mr. Marcano but I wish to stress as others have done that the RESPONSE is now from a citizen who is no longer in the Defence Force & who has EVERY RIGHT to clear his name PUBLICLY especially since the FIRST RELEASE from the Defence Force was made public wherin he, Mr. Maharaj’s name was mentioned.
I am now seeing how politics can change a person
Ah whole bunch of jackass
I have long recognized that it is virtually impossible to get an intelligent discussion going in this land, simply based on the actors. The split in politics, which is reflective of the ethnic divide, does not allow for mature, objective analyses and or discussions. none side is quick to point to the other side and say “well dem did it first.” I am reminded of schoolyard days where, when children were caught fighting and taken before the teacher or principal there was always the “s/he hit me first.” And while we have grown to adulthood, we remain stuck in first and second standard reasoning.
I would think what people should be asking themselves is: Can we prove that Faris DID receive credible death threats?
And, if not, was he and his family having a jolly up at our army base?
And is it not time we had a formal response from Rodney Smart?
Again, it’s like a Christian and a Hindu having a religious discussion. Their starting points are so diverse that they cannot find common ground. The PNM/UNC divide is no different. There are the die-hards, who will remain loyal till the very end. And their “tribe” can do no wrong, sadly.
When the other side is caught in a lie, it is because they are the devil’s kin. When their side lies, it is because they are being clever to deal with the dishonesty from the other side…
And the jillion dollar question becomes: how do we transcend such jackassery, keeping in mind that this nation has one of the lowest levels of trust in the world? I have said it over and again that perhaps the biggest challenge facing this nation is not one of economics or crime but one of trust. No one trusts anyone, from the lowest to the highest….
I’m confused since when does someone have to prove they got a death threats, ordinary citizens you talking about, For persons who hold high office that is a norm, businessmen get death threats Presidents, PMs. Commissioners of Police, Prisons etc get death threat. Tell me which one of them had to prove it was true ? Really who of their own volition would want to take their kids on a shooting range to hold a gun and practice. It cannot be for fun, but I would like to think it was a precautionary measure. I thank God my father was never in a positon to have to take me on a shooting range, because I fear guns, I have seen one , i have held one but I despise it. this conversation is becoming so bizarre but it tells me where people minds are , and why T&T continues to go round in circle. we seem to be cock -eyed, we all see want we want to see clouded by ethnic divide and party politics,not being objective, since some issues raised by the UNC/PP is just to cause division and people are foolish enough to fall into the trap, Why we still discussing this? I reiterate if Fars says yes. its his kids, what then?
Who could forget his bizzare responses during the daily press conferences in 2012 for that infamous State of Emergency, also what about all the promotions that were to be made in the Force but had to be pulled because the persons just did not make the cut where many looked like him. Too many unanswered questions, lingering doubts and questionable utterances for the individual to remain above the political fray.
I was responding to the person who said T&T Defence force is a joke. We dont know amidst all the wrong doing and madness in this country how blessed we are
What integrity????
The man said he never heard of any not that there weren’t any.
That’s your opinion but I thank God they ain’t no joke because the 2 times T&T had uprising the Defence Force was ready and able to save lives and protect the country. Trinis have never experienced living in a military state so can use ‘rum shop logic’ to make erroneous statements. Maybe reading your history and obtaining knowledge will allow people to make informed statements Thank God for the Military in this land, They only have power over the Police when there is instability in the country .
So the former regiment head is saying that when he was army head he wasn’t informed about what was happening and who was using Cumuto?
So who was leading the regiment ?
Can you point to where Kenrick Maharaj said he didn’t know what was happening at Cumuto or where he said he didn’t know Faris and his family were there?
Just so I can find that part too. 😉
I wonder if my question marks are being seen?
Q1 was he head of the regiment when the training took place?
Q2 was he informed of the training or wasn’t he ?
Q3 if he was informed what did he do AT the time?
Simple questions
Kyon are you condemning him for not answering the questions that he was not asked?
How could I condemn by asking questions?
Well, I wasn’t sure based on your opening question Kyon. But maybe I read too much into it. 😉
” he wanted to place on the record that he did not authorise the range practice conducted at Cumuto Barracks, he did not invite Al-Rawi to any military base to attend any range firing activity, he did not have any communications with Al-Rawi on the matter at any time, and he was not at Cumuto Barracks on the day in question. Consequently, Maharaj said he is not aware of who would have received Al-Rawi and his family at that military installation on that day and what protocols were observed. “
^^ Lasana Liburd
Well that wasn’t in this story. And clearly that contradicts the BoI report as well. So every release on this is different to the one before.
Can you find any independent corroboration of Faris’ death threats btw?
I only find what in the media lol
Another UNC Operative.
Does that make you a PNM operative?
And it seems that the present CDS is just another finger-puppet
Rohan San you logic eludes me.
Only you it eludes…
Rohan San you are an idiot my friend. You know my political affiliation? Just be informed I am a Democrat.
Lol Reynold F. Ollivierre… I can tell by your answer that you are a Democrat. .. a Democrat that can call a person a UNC because they are calling out PNM corruption. .. that making any sense?
Very interesting. Getting nasty.
T&T Military is just a joke….no professionalism…a bunch of men apprantly promoted on longevity of service…not merit….
When state officials become entwined with politicians,one has to question what they say,even though they might be speaking the truth.Kenrick Maraj was the army officer who accompanied jack Warner(camouflage jacket and all) to destroy Wayne Kublalsing and the highway reroute movement’s camp.Maraj was later granted an extension of his time in the defence force by the UNC led government..Maraj might well be speaking the truth but one cannot be blamed for thinking that he isn’t.
Was every public servant who got a promotion in the five years of the UNC government politically compromised?
Or only the ones who say things that the PNM government might not appreciate?
Or let me try that a different way: is there any black mark you have on Kenrick Maharaj other than the fact that he got a promotion while the UNC was in charge?
Because, surprise surprise, he got many more promotions under the PNM eh.
I’m not querying the man’s competence. .Persons in the know will tell you that he had no right to be in Penal with jack warner ,breaking down Kublalsingh’s camp.My point is ,politics and professionalism doesn’t always make a good mix,therefore you cannot blame the citizenry for being skeptical.My comment applies to the UNC as well as the PNM.
He was following orders then. But it was wrong. He should not have done it.
Orders from whom?
From the then National Security Minister Jack Warner.
Thank you,Lasana.
As he was questioned by Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, Maharaj (no relation) admitted that it was former government minister Jack Warner, who requested the presence of soldiers on the day of the incident.
“Did you consider you had a duty when the minister gave you the directions to get legal advice whether those directions was lawful or not?” Maharaj asked. The retired soldier said no.
Asked whether Warner had also given instructions to forcibly remove Kublalsingh from the site, Maharaj could not say as he was merely present but not in command of the soldiers on the scene.
Lasana this is an example of what leads to public distrust.Read the last line.(lol)
Not necessarily distrust in this instance. More like scorn.
I drove down there on that fateful morning and felt as though I was in Afghanistan.It was a TOTAL military affair.The police were mere bystanders then .How could Kenrick Maraj say he didn’t know if Jack Warner gave the instructions.?
…Kenrick Maharaj operated outside of his remit then…then again during the SoE where he deployed the military BEFORE the President issued the writ.
The Regiment is not supposed to take orders from the politicians.
Kwesi agreed.
Lasana Liburd yes they do take orders from the government. It’s the government that has them patrolling along with police . I thought so????
Eactly so a sargeant from the police could of handled that situation it shows a lot about them .
Are you surprised? I’m not. That’s the way politicians behave. The wheel and deal until their integrity become questionable. The longest rope must have an end. Bet he told someone else who will confirm he did. Expect the unexpected. Believe nothing said.
Every body not into talking especially if you came from a family that teaches you a still tongue keeps a wise head. Security has a meaning,
Did he know Kamla life was under threat during the state of emergency? Guess what the answer is….. no! Nobody Knew according to Kamla and the PP
He had amnesia all the time, When AG Faris said it in 2016 why didn’t he deny it?. Are we being told things were happening at Defence Force Headquarters and you were not privy?why did your men not trust you with such pertinent information? Really, I wonder why and how? Another puppet of you know who? Another bacchanal brewing. Beware they will be calling for the AG to resign again Really PP/UNC we tired. Every week a different Opposition Minister raises question on this issue. KPB famous lines (let’s move on)
Why does the head of Defence Staff have to contradict a politician if he said he got a death threat? That makes no sense to me.
He was asked a direct question and responded.
He didn’t have to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Simple
Or the ex Head of Defence Staff could be lying. During his tour he was unabashedly political, why do you think he is not being now?
Maybe. But no body has verified the death threats from my knowledge.
Any reason why you believe Faris over Kenrick?
I seem to recall Faris not being able to spot his own children in the photo… Anyway, the former CDS has said his bit. People can decide on the worth of it.
He left because he had reached retirement age, but remember he was given an year extension by KPB.
Really you believe that Faris did not spot his children or are you being sarcastic? , Everyone including Faris know its his children, Faris chose to remain silent, he is a lawyer and he knows to play UNC at their game. Why did Moonilal take 2 yrs after the incident to bring it to light Moonilal was simply politicking he is a GAMER and attention seekers. Aren’t there more pressing issue facing this country than this story over and over? Read between the line people
If the issue is so tame then why are people lying about it?
And I do believe that Faris could spot his children.
He was playing a game by pretending not to?
I don’t like my public servants playing games involving dishonesty. I don’t think that funny or clever.
Because Moonilal is a lowlife doesn’t mean Faris should reciprocate.
My overall question is what is the issue? I'” sure many Minister’s children have undergone similar training and for national security purpose it was kept secure. We in T&T all know what this is all about and tired about the tomfoolery. So if Faris say is his kids, what then?
Not responding is lying? only public servants? all these white colour criminals are just as guilty. Is the same thing T&T is corrupted with thieves and liars.All this discourse and the citizens not demanding accountability, who’s listening? is just that ole talk
Ministers’ children are secretly receiving military training for national security purposes?
Sorry to say but that is nonsense. And I know a few current and past ministers.
Never let love for party make you say foolishness to defend someone Rossana. If someone causes you to have to defy logic for their behalf, then they are not worth saving.
Lasana if yuh could brace the weather, come!
Kwesi Prescod what made him political?
Lasana Liburd thanks – oh my God reading some of this hurts my stomach
You know the man and his methods
I belong to no party