There have been calls (vociferous, persistent, bitter and biting) for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to take action and remove Minister of National Security Jack Warner from his portfolio. She should ask him to step aside until a determination is made.
My question is—a determination of what?
There were people who were in a tizzy after the Reuters report came out saying that Warner’s son Darayan was a “cooperating witness” in an investigation.
That tit bit it seems was all the ammunition needed to resume the “Warner must go” campaign.
The Reuters report by Mark Hosenball quoted unnamed US law enforcement sources (of course they could not go on record with an investigation that was ongoing) who declined to say “who MIGHT be charged, if anybody, or when.”
The same report went on to say that the scope of the investigation was NOT CLEAR (this is my capitalising) and among the matters UNDER SCUTINY were two previously reported allegations involving Warner.
The report did not even suggest what these were but refers to Chuck Blazer and an offshore account he has. We read that the Internal Revenue Service was part of the investigation examining “POTENTIAL” violations of US tax laws.
The same report spoke of Warner’s past involvement in football—as head of CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Foodtball) and vice-president of FIFA. “He has not been charged with any wrongdoing,” Reuters said.
I have to ask, should the PM strip Warner of his portfolio based on the Reuters report?
There are people who think Warner should be removed or step aside until the allegations are cleared up except we don’t know who said what and or if charges have been laid against anyone. I realise that there are people who have an intense dislike for Warner and maybe they have good reason but this should not blind anyone to the fact that there must be justice. Also, the PM has to be cautious because whatever some people feel about Warner, he is the party Chairman and has supporters and clout within the United National Congress.
It is curious how people like to talk about the rule of law and due process yet will lobby for someone to be fired without a proper case being made out yet.
I ended up in lively discussion with some persons who were of the view that Warner should be removed. They referred to the US where public officials resigned if there is any hint of impropriety. I am aware sex scandals involving married politicians and revelations of children outside their marriage have led to people bowing out of election races or resigning. There have been cases in which people resigned due to scandals but they also ended up in court facing prosecution such as former Democractic representative for Illinois Jessie Jackson Jr who was charged with felony fraud in connection with the misuse of campaign funds.
In the US people do not just resign because they are guilty of anything, they may also resign to avoid further publicity and media or investigators delving into their affairs. We should not compare TT and the US because these are two very different societies and we do not have a culture or system to protect whistleblowers.
We had Gene Miles decades ago who spoke out about the “gas station racket” and she lost her job and was victimised and died a martyr. In TT we have more secret keepers and plenty talkers but no one is willing to give evidence of anything. Many people like to talk and talk but you can’t take ole talk and mauvis langue to the court house for cross-examination.
Under the PNM Franklin Khan resigned as Minister of Works and Transport and Eric Williams resigned as Energy Minister after allegations were made by Dansam Dhansook. It was Persad-Bissessar, as MP for Siparia who on April 27, 20005, read into the Hansard of the House of Representatives a letter Dhansook wrote to Manning claiming bribes were paid to ministers. The matters ended up in court, the allegations were not proven and Dhansook apologised years later for lying.
Over the years there have been various stories circulating about Warner but in the case of the latest news, until we have more facts and there is something that the PM can act on, I wish people would stop being ridiculous.
You’re Invited! Hey there, residents of St. Joseph! Curious about how your community is doing? So are we! The UNC-St. Joseph team is eager to connect with you and learn more about your experiences. Join us for a walk through San Juan East this Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Look out for familiar faces like our UNC Coordinator for St. Joseph, Anil Roberts, our chairman, Amit Sooknanan, and the rest of our dedicated UNC Team. We’ll be hitting the streets and engaging with the heart of your neighborhood. Here are the details: Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 Time: 4:00 PM Meeting Point: Opposite the Samaan Tree Bar Whether you’ve got burning questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi, we’d love to see you there! Let’s work together to make St. Joseph an even better place to live. See you on Saturday! UNC-St. Joseph Team
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an important meeting hosted by the United National Congress (UNC) as we gear up for the upcoming general election. Your presence and participation are highly valued as we strategize and mobilize for the future of our nation. Date: Monday, April 22, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: Williamsville Secondary School, Guaracara Tabaquite Rd, Williamsville We are honored to announce that the event will feature a special address by the Political Leader of the UNC, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Her guidance and vision will undoubtedly inspire and guide us as we embark on this journey. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the UNC Social Media Platform, ensuring that everyone can participate and engage with the discussions.
You are cordially invited to join us as we commemorate a remarkable journey of the past and embark on the promising path to the future at the UNC 35th Anniversary, Interfaith Function, and Service Awards. Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM onwards Location: UNC Headquarters, #31 Mulchan Seuchan Rd, Chaguanas This special occasion will be a celebration of unity, diversity, and service to the community. We will come together in solidarity to honor our shared history, embrace our differences, and pledge our commitment to a brighter tomorrow. Your presence will truly make this celebration complete as we reflect on the past with gratitude and look ahead with hope and determination. We eagerly anticipate your presence as we mark this significant milestone in the journey of the UNC.
Calls for Jack’s firing, but on what grounds?
By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON
There have been calls (vociferous, persistent, bitter and biting) for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to take action and remove Minister of National Security Jack Warner from his portfolio. She should ask him to step aside until a determination is made.
My question is—a determination of what?
There were people who were in a tizzy after the Reuters report came out saying that Warner’s son Darayan was a “cooperating witness” in an investigation.
That tit bit it seems was all the ammunition needed to resume the “Warner must go” campaign.
The Reuters report by Mark Hosenball quoted unnamed US law enforcement sources (of course they could not go on record with an investigation that was ongoing) who declined to say “who MIGHT be charged, if anybody, or when.”
The same report went on to say that the scope of the investigation was NOT CLEAR (this is my capitalising) and among the matters UNDER SCUTINY were two previously reported allegations involving Warner.
The report did not even suggest what these were but refers to Chuck Blazer and an offshore account he has. We read that the Internal Revenue Service was part of the investigation examining “POTENTIAL” violations of US tax laws.
The same report spoke of Warner’s past involvement in football—as head of CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Foodtball) and vice-president of FIFA. “He has not been charged with any wrongdoing,” Reuters said.
I have to ask, should the PM strip Warner of his portfolio based on the Reuters report?
There are people who think Warner should be removed or step aside until the allegations are cleared up except we don’t know who said what and or if charges have been laid against anyone. I realise that there are people who have an intense dislike for Warner and maybe they have good reason but this should not blind anyone to the fact that there must be justice. Also, the PM has to be cautious because whatever some people feel about Warner, he is the party Chairman and has supporters and clout within the United National Congress.
It is curious how people like to talk about the rule of law and due process yet will lobby for someone to be fired without a proper case being made out yet.
I ended up in lively discussion with some persons who were of the view that Warner should be removed. They referred to the US where public officials resigned if there is any hint of impropriety. I am aware sex scandals involving married politicians and revelations of children outside their marriage have led to people bowing out of election races or resigning. There have been cases in which people resigned due to scandals but they also ended up in court facing prosecution such as former Democractic representative for Illinois Jessie Jackson Jr who was charged with felony fraud in connection with the misuse of campaign funds.
In the US people do not just resign because they are guilty of anything, they may also resign to avoid further publicity and media or investigators delving into their affairs. We should not compare TT and the US because these are two very different societies and we do not have a culture or system to protect whistleblowers.
We had Gene Miles decades ago who spoke out about the “gas station racket” and she lost her job and was victimised and died a martyr. In TT we have more secret keepers and plenty talkers but no one is willing to give evidence of anything. Many people like to talk and talk but you can’t take ole talk and mauvis langue to the court house for cross-examination.
Under the PNM Franklin Khan resigned as Minister of Works and Transport and Eric Williams resigned as Energy Minister after allegations were made by Dansam Dhansook. It was Persad-Bissessar, as MP for Siparia who on April 27, 20005, read into the Hansard of the House of Representatives a letter Dhansook wrote to Manning claiming bribes were paid to ministers. The matters ended up in court, the allegations were not proven and Dhansook apologised years later for lying.
Over the years there have been various stories circulating about Warner but in the case of the latest news, until we have more facts and there is something that the PM can act on, I wish people would stop being ridiculous.
Newsday
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