Clarify retired rank title for Mr Griffith

THE EDITOR: Since his resignation from the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, time and time again Mr Griffith has been referred to as “Captain Gary Griffith.” This was correct protocol whilst he was a member of the Regiment, but it is my understanding that former members of the infantry are not entitled to carry any rank below that of Major after resignation or retirement from the British Army. Indeed, such as the position in the 1970s when I lived in Aldershot, (The Home of the British Army) Hampshire, England.

It is also my understanding that our regiment was established along the same lines and follows the tradition of the British Army. Would the UK High Commissioner and/or the Protocol officer of the Regiment clarify the issue of the correct usage of titles of rank in such circumstances for the information of the general public. I do not know if Mr Griffith refers to himself as Captain or if the news agencies continue to bestow this rank on him careless of whether or not it be correct to do so. As a member of the senate and an individual with obvious political aspirations or agenda surely he would not want to use this title of rank if such is improper. Perhaps someone can advise us as to the practice in the USA.

J C NOONE
Port-of-Spain