(Trinidad Guardian) Opposition Senator Fitzgerald Hinds says National Security Minister Jack Warner’s refusal to respond to questions and concerns about an alleged US bank account in his name is a threat to the country’s democracy. Hinds likened Warner’s disregard to the 1990 coup attempt.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) published its judgment surrounding allegations of bribery against former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam. The CAS found that Warner held a secret account that contained at least US$455,000.
On Friday, Warner told the media he was not prepared to answer any questions on football matters. He also knocked Hinds, PNM MP Colm Imbert and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley for constantly criticising him. The PNM held its 16th General Council meeting yesterday at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, which was followed by a press conference.
At the meeting, it was resolved that: “This general council roundly and wholly condemns the behaviour of Mr Jack Warner, MP, in respect of these matters and calls upon the Prime Minister to remove Mr Jack Warner from the Cabinet forthwith, in keeping with the protection of the public interest, the protection of the international image of Trinidad and Tobago and also in keeping with her Government’s promise of good governance.”
Rowley is expected to host a press conference at 11 am today to speak further on the matter. Hinds told the media the resolution called for the population to defend itself against “this serious threat” to good governance. He said, “We consider his disregard as a threat to the democracy, the stability and the well-being of Trinidad and Tobago, just like the events of July 27, 1990. It’s as serious as that.” The PNM has made repeated calls for Warner’s removal as a government minister.
