Bharath: Griffith’s claims ‘false and without basis’
COMPLETELY false and without any basis whatsoever! This is how the Trade, Industry, Investment and Communication Minister, Vasant Bharath, has described claims by the National Security Minister, Gary Griffith, that he was pressured to withdraw a witness statement in an ongoing investigation at the meeting of Cabinet on 29 January 2015.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Communication Minister said: “Any suggestion that such a request was made of the National Security Minister at the meeting of Cabinet last Thursday is completely and utterly false. The Cabinet never, at any time, attempted to do as Mr Griffith has claimed.”
In dismissing the claims, Minister Bharath added: “More than Mr Griffith’s claims being completely untrue is the fact that he has, by his actions, compromised the integrity of Cabinet, and has done so without any clear or rational reason.”
“Every member of the Cabinet appreciates and accepts our duty to maintain the highest principles and moral standards. It is our duty as public officials and it is our duty to the people of Trinidad & Tobago.”
The Minister added: “The irony of these claims are also very stark, when one considers that it is this Government that has done the most to not only maintain, but improve the processes and mechanisms that promote accountability and transparency in Government.”
– Ministry of Communications