Rodney Smart to get promotion

Smart who is said to be on pre-retirement leave is expected to be promoted today to the rank of Major General during a handing-over ceremony at Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas.

During the ceremony, scheduled to start at 4 pm, acting CDS Captain Hayden Pritchard will be confirmed to the post and promoted to Commodore.

Another officer, Colonel Phillips is expected to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and elevated to the position of Vice CDS.

The rank of Major General is the highest in the military. The elevation means the officer will receive two stars instead of one but there is no increase in salary or gratuity.

Well-placed sources yesterday said Smart is expected to be given a top position in Rowley’s administration.

Sources said the position could very well be that of National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Smart was quoted in a letter sent to UNC Senator Wayne Sturge, a few months ago, as having named his immediate predecessor, Retired Major General Kenrick Maharaj, as the person who organised and approved the October 2016 visit by Attorney General Faris Al Rawi’s son and daughter to Camp Cumuto in Wallerfield.

The minors were photographed handling Army-owned weapons.

Maharaj has challenged that statement saying he had nothing to do with the visit.

On July 20, Maharaj received a formal letter of apology from Acting CDS Pritchard, but is now said to be exploring his legal options.