(Trinidad Express) The following is the statement of the Congress of the People, signed by its political leader Prakash Ramadhar –
The Time has come for the Minister of National Security, Jack Warner to exit this Government or be removed.
The Congress of the People takes note of the final report of the Integrity Committee of CONCACAF which was made public yesterday, Friday 19th April 2013 after a year long investigation into allegations against its former President Jack Warner and former General Secretary Chuck Blazer.
It is important to note that the Chairman of the CONCACAF Integrity Committee Sir David Simmons is a person of high international repute and judicial experience, whose credentials were accepted by this Government to head the Commission of Enquiry into the 1990 Coup. In order to maintain credibility and trust in Government and country, we have always maintained that persons in high public office facing serious allegations ought to step aside until the conclusion of such investigations.
When prior serious allegations were made by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), Mr. Warner had every opportunity to clear his name. He chose to avoid that process by resigning and indicating he would disclose a ‘Tsunami of truth’. Mr. Warner had ample time to do so as the country expected no less. He chose not to.
The COP places country first and is of the strong view that Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation must not be endangered. To that end, we call upon Mr. Warner to stand down as a Minister of this Government for the sake of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Congress of the People reiterates that the time has come for the Minister of National Security, Jack Warner to exit this Government or be removed.