Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has rejected claims that he is politically aligned, insisting he has “never voted in any election” and has no ties to any political party.

Guevarro made the statement in response to criticism from former police commissioner Gary Griffith, who reportedly accused him of acting as a “public relations officer” for the Government for his defence of an American military radar place in Tobago in an article by the Trinidad Guardian.

“I have never voted in any election. I am proud of my apolitical status,” Guevarro said in an audio statement, adding that he has no desire for political office and has never held membership in any political organisation.

“My loyalty is to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, not to any political organisation,” he said, while also rejecting any suggestion that he harbours political ambitions.

Guevarro said he had initially chosen not to respond to Griffith’s public criticism, noting that “leadership requires discipline, focus, and an understanding that not every provocation deserves attention.”

However, he said he was addressing the issue “clearly” following questions from the media.

In his response, the police commissioner also accused Griffith of projecting his own political ambitions onto others, pointing to what he described as repeated but unsuccessful attempts at elected office.Guevarro further criticised Griffith’s tenure, alleging that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) was left with “hundreds of millions of dollars in debt” and referencing audits and administrative decisions made during that period.

He also defended his own record, stating that within nine months in office, the country recorded what he described as the largest percentage reduction in homicides, as well as the lowest annual homicide figure since 2011.

According to Guevarro, the 2026 Carnival season also ended with 19 serious reported crimes, which he said was the lowest since the early 2000s.

“These achievements belong to the hardworking men and women of the TTPS,” he said, crediting a renewed focus on accountability, intelligence-driven policing and community partnerships.

Despite his remarks, Guevarro said he would not engage further with the former commissioner, describing the criticism as a distraction from the work of the police service.

“My focus remains on public safety, institutional integrity, and delivering results for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.