Will Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), lawyer Grenville Williams become the National Security Advisor soon?
“That’s a question I’ve been asked over the last few days, and what I can say, as far as I am aware, I remain at the FIU in the immediate future. That’s all I can say on the matter,” Williams told I-Witness News on Tuesday.
Well-placed sources have told I-Witness News that Williams, who failed to become the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for South Leeward in the next general elections, has been identified for the post as National Security Advisor.
Sources say that Williams was promised “something better” amidst efforts to persuade him to opt out of the South Leeward race, which Jomo Thomas won.
Williams nominated Thomas, a lawyer and ULP senator, as the candidate when the ULP held its South Leeward constituency conference last year. The FIU head, however, did not stand nor congratulate Thomas as other delegates did after Thomas’ nomination was finalised. Sources close to Williams said he was pressured into making the nomination, but Williams has declined to comment on this.
The National Security Advisor position may become vacant as it current occupant, former security minister Sir Vincent Beache becomes chairman of the Housing and Land Development Corporation on Feb. 1.
Asked if he is in any discussion regarding a move to another position within the Ministry of National Security, Williams told I-Witness News, “That’s something I’d prefer not to address at this time.”
Williams told I-Witness News that his contract as head of the FIU expires in November 2016.
He joined the FIU in 2004 and became its director in 2008.
Sources say that if Williams become National Security Advisor, a female lawyer close to the ULP may replace him at the FIU.
Every where I see the man he has that silly grin on his face, now even at a funeral.
Does anyone know if he has any background whatsoever in security, and in particular National Security?
What advice can he give on the subject, because as an adviser he will be required to give advice?
For instance, can he give any advice on the control of the political arm of the police force?
Other than taking his wheel barrow to the bank to collect the $100,000 plus a year salary what is his worth as a National Security adviser, which is only a political appointment, no real job, because the Minister of National Security doesn’t like advice, doesn’t take advice, and will disregard any advice from anyone. So why waste a $100K on an adviser who cannot advise.