Senator the Honourable Brigadier John Sandy (Retired), is a member of the “People’s Partnership” coalition Government of Trinidad and Tobago elected on May 24th 2010, constituting members of the United National Congress (UNC), the Congress of the People (COP), the Tobago Organization of the People (TOP), the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) and the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ).His appointment as a Cabinet Minister in the Trinidad and Tobago Government came in May 2010 when he assumed the portfolio of Minister of National Security. This is his first ever appointment as a Minister of Government and a Senator in the Upper House of Parliament.Senator Sandy has a background in Organizational Leadership and Management and Military Affairs.

During his 36 years in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force he was hailed as a very competent military officer and became a highly decorated soldier. He is the beneficiary of several courses and seminars at leading institutions in the United States, Canada, Europe, Great Britain, China, Latin America and the Caribbean.He began his career in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (Regiment) in 1966, emerging from his training as the best recruit of an Intake of 120 soldiers.In 1994—1995, at the rank of Colonel he became the Contingent Commander of the CARICOM peacekeeping forces in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy and United Nations Mission in Haiti. For his successful command he was awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal, with a citation signed by President William Jefferson Clinton.From 1997-2000 Brigadier Sandy was the Defence and Military Attaché to the United States, posted to Washington DC at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago.

He was also appointed Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief of Delegation at the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) and Chairman of the Board’s Goals and Objectives Committee. During that posting he represented his country via membership on the Hemispheric Security Commission of the Organization of American States (OAS).From 2000 to 2002 Brigadier Sandy served as the Chief of Defence Staff of the country’s Defence Force- a post held responsible to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Security Council and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for the administration and operation of the Force.During this time he was honoured by being inducted into the United States Army Hall of Fame at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas for “distinguished military service.” For his role as Executive Chairman of Exercise Tradewinds 2002 in Trinidad, a joint venture involving the United States and Canadian Armed Forces, among others, he received commendations as well.

Senator Sandy’s formal education includes a Masters of Science in Organizational Management from Springfield College, Massachusetts, USA; a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) in Social Science and a Certificate in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies.His professional accomplishments include Corporate Manager Human Resources and Security, Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited, the State Enterprise established to manage lands and other assets of the Caroni 1975 Limited. He was Security Consultant at the CL Financial Group and CLICO and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Premium Security Services Limited. The Brigadier was appointed Chief Security Liaison Officer with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team at the FIFA World Cup Soccer Finals 2006 and accompanied the National team to Germany during the tournament. He is also an avid Cricket and Basketball enthusiast.Senator the Hon. Brigadier Sandy has been married to Jacqueline since 1971 and they are the parents of three daughters and one son.

Adapted from the Ministry of National Security website 

Maiden Contribution

The House of Representatives - Friday July 16, 2010
Motion: Nomination to the Police Service Commission