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Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice-Marshal Darryl Daniel has been directed by President Christine Kangaloo to proceed on five months’ pre-retirement leave. In his absence, Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, Captain Steve Don Riguel Polo, will act as Chief of Defence Staff.

Several senior sources inside the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) told The Express that there was nothing "malicious" about the decision, as the government was not willing to "buy out" Daniel's leave.

Daniel had been appointed to the position of Chief of Defence Staff on March 25th, 2019, and served in the position for just over six years. Sources told The Express that Daniel had told the former government that he had not seen anyone suitable to replace him, and as such, he was given an extension on his tenure as CDS.