THERE is now a thorough and vigorous vetting process which will play a critical part in the future of recruitment for the Defence Force.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds during the passing-out parade at Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas, on Saturday afternoon, announced that this has become necessary to guard the reputation of the institution.
He said the process will require extensive scrutiny before acceptance. His comments comes amid an ongoing judicial review claim brought by three former Defence Force trainees – Jamari Chacon, 23, of New Grant, Princes Town; Jerren Coombs, 24, of Greenvale, La Horquetta; and Kavelle Serrette, 24, of Sangre Grande.
The men were expected to graduate at Saturday's passing-out ceremony but were discharged early because they allegedly failed police polygraph tests. Their claim for the court to stay the decision of the commanding officers was heard on Wednesday by emergency judge Justice Frank Seepersad, who did not grant the stay out of concerns for its implications as no one appeared for the Defence Force. The claim has since been docketed for Justice Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell.
Touching on the matter, Hinds, who did not name Justice Seepersad, quoted what the judge said when he heard the application.
Hinds said, "I'm not unaware that there is a matter with the court in this regard. I took note of what the judge has to say thus far in that matter and permit me to share with you some of what he has to say, I quote, 'The integrity of the institution and the public confidence that only persons of this highest integrity are enlisted is of paramount importance. There is ample information in the public domain as to the disastrous consequences which flow when ill-suited persons are enlisted into the security forces. They present a clear and present danger.'"
[caption id="attachment_1019448" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Defence Force recruits march during the passing-out parade at Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas on Saturday. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
Hinds said the judge noticed that if the claimants are eventually successful, they could be retroactively enlisted and compensated for any anguish they claimed that they have suffered and that they can prove.
Therefore, he felt it is necessary to introduce a mandatory vetting process.
“On behalf of the people of TT, I insisted that a proper screening of every single one of you, and all of the other applicants to join the Defence Force be conducted. We had the unfortunate experience of seeing certain behaviours of conduct that brought this proud and long-standing and long-serving institution into grave dishonour and disrepute. As a consequence, as minister, I insisted that not one of you will enter the walls of this very sacred place until I was satisfied that you were thoroughly vetted.
"Sadly, I would learn that 217 was reduced to 213 because some of you did not make it to your passing out today.”
He urged the recruits to remember their duty and commitment to the State.
Hinds also emphasised the need for s
