Former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has called for national unity and preparedness in light of the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. In a video message shared via WhatsApp on October 28, Griffith emphasized the need to move beyond political divisions and focus on the potential fallout from the geopolitical standoff. He warned that the public discourse had devolved into political bickering, urging citizens and the government to prioritize readiness over blame or propaganda. Griffith, who also served as national security minister and is a retired military officer, highlighted the direct implications for Trinidad and Tobago, including possible security threats and a surge in Venezuelan migrants if the situation deteriorates. He advocated for the Ministry of Defence to play a more proactive role in national preparedness, referencing a framework he developed in 2010 for such scenarios. Griffith proposed the formation of an advisory committee comprising retired senior military officers to guide the government’s response. He named several former defense leaders, including retired generals John Sandy, Carl Alfonso, Ancil Antoine, and Edmund Dillon, as valuable contributors. Additionally, Griffith called for immediate recruitment drives for the Defence Force, particularly the Coast Guard, and stressed the importance of mental and operational readiness among personnel. He emphasized the need for maintaining military assets and utilizing the National Operations Centre (NOC) to ensure coordination among security agencies and combat misinformation. Griffith warned that a regional conflict could trigger a mass exodus of Venezuelans, overwhelming Trinidad and Tobago’s health, education, and security systems. He also condemned attempts to show allegiance to foreign powers, particularly Venezuela’s accusation that Trinidad and Tobago harbors terrorists, which he labeled as a threat to national sovereignty. Griffith concluded by urging unity, preparation, and strong leadership, stating, ‘When the storm comes, TT must stand ready together.’