AG TO ROWLEY: “ONE OF US MUST RESIGN”

…REQUESTS ROWLEY TO AGREE TO EARLY TRIAL

The police service has clarified that there is no investigation into the alleged administrative error on the part of the Judiciary’s support staff. Dr Rowley must now apologise for misleading the Honourable Prime Minister, the Parliament and nation. His hysterical behaviour and irresponsible question to the Prime Minister had the potential to bring the administrations of justice into disrepute. Such behaviour is reckless and unbecoming of a leader.

The Chief Justice has already announced an internal inquiry and it is clearly prudent to allow this to be completed first. Thereafter if any wrong doing is unearthed, it can be then referred to the DPP and police. Given the public concerns, the results of this enquiry should be made public by the Chief Justice.
In the meantime, we should be careful in what we say to avoid bringing the Judiciary into disrepute. Insinuations and accusations for political mileage could actually compromise and prejudice any investigation.

Once again, I wish to make it abundantly clear that I welcome any investigation by anyone, anytime, anywhere into this or any other matter. The administrative errors that occurred are a source of personal grievance and a cause for concern. A litigant is entitled to rely on an order of the court. He is, and should not be, expected to go behind that order to question the internal administrative process within the Judiciary.

My primary concern is to vindicate my character and reputation in light of the serious criminal allegations that have been made in ‘Emailgate’ by Dr. Rowley. It is a matter of public concern because of the public office that the alleged email conspirators hold.

It is clear that Dr. Rowley wishes to prolong this matter beyond the general election, so that it will hang like a sword of Damocles over our heads. These delay tactics should not be tolerated.

Given the seriousness of this matter, I hereby ask Dr Rowley and Al-Rawi whether they will agree to a joint application asking a newly assigned judge, Madam Justice Judith Jones, to deem this matter fit for urgent and early trial in the month of April 2015. Dr Rowley and I should subject ourselves to cross-examination and give evidence under oath so that he can prove his claim with hard evidence and demonstrate that these were genuine emails which were sent from my account.

Let justice be done according to law, and let the chips fall where they must. When the dust settles, one of us must resign and criminal prosecutions should follow. Rowley will have to resign on account of the malicious falsehood and hoax he has perpetuated or I must resign for being part of a criminal conspiracy.

I know there is no truth in ‘Emailgate’. It is a fabrication and political concoction. I will therefore happily tender my resignation if Dr Rowley proves his outrageous claim. I likewise however, ask that he publicly commit to a similar course should his claims be rejected and found wanting.

An urgent and early trial with a resignation to follow- that my proposal- the ball is now in your court Dr Rowley.

ANAND RAMLOGAN, SC
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO