PM, Dillon have no issues

“Everything I have done as a Government minister has been with the sanction of the Minister of National Security and the appropriate authorities,” Rambharat said during the post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday. He said his wife Camille accompanying him on his visit to the Academy is not a privilege afforded to her.

“I am satisfied that the appropriate arrangements have been made and I would say no more,” he reiterated.

Rambharat did not know whether any other Government minister visited the Academy for the same reasons as he did.

“I can only speak for myself and I think enough information has been put out there which indicate the arrangements made for me are absolutely normal for persons in office,” he said.

Asked if any of his other relatives visited the academy, Rambharat replied, “Well my children are small.” He reminded reporters that contrary to public perception, his ministry is not “a pumpkin and bhagi ministry.” Apart from the National Security Ministry, Rambharat reiterated that his ministry deals with six areas of law enforcement.

He identified the praedial larceny squad, estate police, forest officers and game wardens as some of the people who perform law enforcement activities under the ministry. Rambharat said there was no discussion about the termination of the Ocean Flower II vessel at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He said Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan was capable of addressing this issue.

TOP COP OK WITH VISIT For his part, Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams yesterday confirmed that historically the Police Service has been providing a service in the form of firearms training for government ministers and public officials.

Rambharat has been allowed to carry out firearms training at the Academy. The Minister confirmed on Wednesday that he visits the Academy as part of a personal safety and security training programme for government ministers, MPs and senior public officials. The minister also revealed that his wife would sometimes go to the Academy with him, and there would be visits to their home where there are sessions with his family.

Yesterday, the Acting Commissioner confirmed there are instances where the Police Service provides training for ministers and public officials but added: “I do not see this as a matter for the public especially which government official has a firearm and where he or she goes to train.

“Historically the TTPS has provided these services and will continue to provide it because it is an important service. If the minister chooses to speak in the public domain whether he has a firearm or not, that is his business, but I will not speak in a public domain as to which minister has a firearm and where he will train.”