Jack Warner General Section Thread.

[Deeks]

Well, Mr. Jack....... What do have to say now.

[weary1969]

Well, Mr. Jack....... What do have to say now.

GOOD QUESTION

[Flex]

Nine FIFA Officials and Five Corporate Executives Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Corruption.
US Department of Justice Release.

The Defendants Include Two Current FIFA Vice Presidents and the Current and Former Presidents of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF); Seven Defendants Arrested Overseas; Guilty Pleas for Four Individual Defendants and Two Corporate Defendants Also Unsealed

A 47-count indictment was unsealed early this morning in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.  The guilty pleas of four individual defendants and two corporate defendants were also unsealed today.

The defendants charged in the indictment include high-ranking officials of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the organization responsible for the regulation and promotion of soccer worldwide, as well as leading officials of other soccer governing bodies that operate under the FIFA umbrella.  Jeffrey Webb and Jack Warner – the current and former presidents of CONCACAF, the continental confederation under FIFA headquartered in the United States – are among the soccer officials charged with racketeering and bribery offenses.  The defendants also include U.S. and South American sports marketing executives who are alleged to have systematically paid and agreed to pay well over $150 million in bribes and kickbacks to obtain lucrative media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments.

The charges were announced by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly T. Currie of the Eastern District of New York, Director James B. Comey of the FBI, Assistant Director in Charge Diego W. Rodriguez of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Chief Richard Weber of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez of the IRS-CI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Also earlier this morning, Swiss authorities in Zurich arrested seven of the defendants charged in the indictment, the defendants Jeffrey Webb, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Eugenio Figueredo, Rafael Esquivel and José Maria Marin, at the request of the United States.  Also this morning, a search warrant is being executed at CONCACAF headquarters in Miami, Florida.

The guilty pleas of the four individual and two corporate defendants that were also unsealed today include the guilty pleas of Charles Blazer, the long-serving former general secretary of CONCACAF and former U.S. representative on the FIFA executive committee; José Hawilla, the owner and founder of the Traffic Group, a multinational sports marketing conglomerate headquartered in Brazil; and two of Hawilla’s companies, Traffic Sports International Inc. and Traffic Sports USA Inc., which is based in Florida.

“The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and here in the United States,” said Attorney General Lynch.  “It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.  And it has profoundly harmed a multitude of victims, from the youth leagues and developing countries that should benefit from the revenue generated by the commercial rights these organizations hold, to the fans at home and throughout the world whose support for the game makes those rights valuable.  Today’s action makes clear that this Department of Justice intends to end any such corrupt practices, to root out misconduct, and to bring wrongdoers to justice – and we look forward to continuing to work with other countries in this effort.”

Attorney General Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the authorities of the government of Switzerland, as well as several other international partners, for their outstanding assistance in this investigation.

“Today’s announcement should send a message that enough is enough,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Currie.  “After decades of what the indictment alleges to be brazen corruption, organized international soccer needs a new start – a new chance for its governing institutions to provide honest oversight and support of a sport that is beloved across the world, increasingly so here in the United States.  Let me be clear: this indictment is not the final chapter in our investigation.” 

Acting U.S. Attorney Currie extended his thanks to the agents, analysts and other investigative personnel with the FBI New York Eurasian Joint Organized Crime Squad and the IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office, as well as their colleagues abroad, for their tremendous effort in this case.

“As charged in the indictment, the defendants fostered a culture of corruption and greed that created an uneven playing field for the biggest sport in the world,” said Director Comey.  “Undisclosed and illegal payments, kickbacks, and bribes became a way of doing business at FIFA.  I want to commend the investigators and prosecutors around the world who have pursued this case so diligently, for so many years.”

“When leaders in an organization resort to cheating the very members that they are supposed to represent, they must be held accountable,” said Chief Weber.  “Corruption, tax evasion and money laundering are certainly not the cornerstones of any successful business.  Whether you call it soccer or football, the fans, players and sponsors around the world who love this game should not have to worry about officials corrupting their sport.  This case isn't about soccer, it is about fairness and following the law.  IRS-CI will continue to investigate financial crimes and follow the money wherever it may lead around the world, leveling the playing field for those who obey the law.”

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Enterprise

FIFA is composed of 209 member associations, each representing organized soccer in a particular nation or territory, including the United States and four of its overseas territories.  FIFA also recognizes six continental confederations that assist it in governing soccer in different regions of the world.  The U.S. Soccer Federation is one of 41 member associations of the confederation known as CONCACAF, which has been headquartered in the United States throughout the period charged in the indictment.  The South American confederation, called CONMEBOL, is also a focus of the indictment.

As alleged in the indictment, FIFA and its six continental confederations, together with affiliated regional federations, national member associations and sports marketing companies, constitute an enterprise of legal entities associated in fact for purposes of the federal racketeering laws.  The principal – and entirely legitimate – purpose of the enterprise is to regulate and promote the sport of soccer worldwide.

As alleged in the indictment, one key way the enterprise derives revenue is to commercialize the media and marketing rights associated with soccer events and tournaments.  The organizing entity that owns those rights – as FIFA and CONCACAF do with respect to the World Cup and Gold Cup, their respective flagship tournaments – sells them to sports marketing companies, often through multi-year contracts covering multiple editions of the tournaments.  The sports marketing companies, in turn, sell the rights downstream to TV and radio broadcast networks, major corporate sponsors and other sub-licensees who want to broadcast the matches or promote their brands.  The revenue generated from these contracts is substantial: according to FIFA, 70% of its $5.7 billion in total revenues between 2011 and 2014 was attributable to the sale of TV and marketing rights to the 2014 World Cup.

The Racketeering Conspiracy

The indictment alleges that, between 1991 and the present, the defendants and their co-conspirators corrupted the enterprise by engaging in various criminal activities, including fraud, bribery and money laundering.  Two generations of soccer officials abused their positions of trust for personal gain, frequently through an alliance with unscrupulous sports marketing executives who shut out competitors and kept highly lucrative contracts for themselves through the systematic payment of bribes and kickbacks.  All told, the soccer officials are charged with conspiring to solicit and receive well over $150 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for their official support of the sports marketing executives who agreed to make the unlawful payments.

Most of the schemes alleged in the indictment relate to the solicitation and receipt of bribes and kickbacks by soccer officials from sports marketing executives in connection with the commercialization of the media and marketing rights associated with various soccer matches and tournaments, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the CONCACAF region, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League, the jointly organized CONMEBOL/CONCACAF Copa América Centenario, the CONMEBOL Copa América, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil, which is organized by the Brazilian national soccer federation (CBF).  Other alleged schemes relate to the payment and receipt of bribes and kickbacks in connection with the sponsorship of CBF by a major U.S. sportswear company, the selection of the host country for the 2010 World Cup and the 2011 FIFA presidential election.

The Indicted Defendants

As set forth in the indictment, the defendants and their co-conspirators fall generally into three categories: soccer officials acting in a fiduciary capacity within FIFA and one or more of its constituent organizations; sports media and marketing company executives; and businessmen, bankers and other trusted intermediaries who laundered illicit payments.

Nine of the defendants were FIFA officials by operation of the FIFA statutes, as well as officials of one or more other bodies:

•Jeffrey Webb: Current FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CONCACAF president, Caribbean Football Union (CFU) executive committee member and Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) president.

•Eduardo Li: Current FIFA executive committee member-elect, CONCACAF executive committee member and Costa Rican soccer federation (FEDEFUT) president.

•Julio Rocha: Current FIFA development officer.  Former Central American Football Union (UNCAF) president and Nicaraguan soccer federation (FENIFUT) president.

•Costas Takkas: Current attaché to the CONCACAF president.  Former CIFA general secretary.

•Jack Warner: Former FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CONCACAF president, CFU president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special adviser.

•Eugenio Figueredo: Current FIFA vice president and executive committee member.  Former CONMEBOL president and Uruguayan soccer federation (AUF) president.

•Rafael Esquivel: Current CONMEBOL executive committee member and Venezuelan soccer federation (FVF) president.

•José Maria Marin: Current member of the FIFA organizing committee for the Olympic football tournaments.  Former CBF president.

•Nicolás Leoz: Former FIFA executive committee member and CONMEBOL president.

Four of the defendants were sports marketing executives:

•Alejandro Burzaco: Controlling principal of Torneos y Competencias S.A., a sports marketing business based in Argentina, and its affiliates.

•Aaron Davidson: President of Traffic Sports USA Inc. (Traffic USA).

•Hugo and Mariano Jinkis: Controlling principals of Full Play Group S.A., a sports marketing business based in Argentina, and its affiliates.

And one of the defendants was in the broadcasting business but allegedly served as an intermediary to facilitate illicit payments between sports marketing executives and soccer officials:

•José Margulies:  Controlling principal of Valente Corp. and Somerton Ltd.

The Convicted Individuals and Corporations

The following individuals and corporations previously pleaded guilty under seal:

On July 15, 2013, the defendant Daryll Warner, son of defendant Jack Warner and a former FIFA development officer, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with wire fraud and the structuring of financial transactions.

On Oct. 25, 2013, the defendant Daryan Warner waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a three-count information charging him with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and the structuring of financial transactions.  Daryan Warner forfeited over $1.1 million around the time of his plea and has agreed to pay a second forfeiture money judgment at the time of sentencing.

On Nov. 25, 2013, the defendant Charles Blazer, the former CONCACAF general secretary and a former FIFA executive committee member, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a 10-count information charging him with racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, income tax evasion and failure to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).  Blazer forfeited over $1.9 million at the time of his plea and has agreed to pay a second amount to be determined at the time of sentencing.

On Dec. 12, 2014, the defendant José Hawilla, the owner and founder of the Traffic Group, the Brazilian sports marketing conglomerate, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a four-count information charging him with racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice.  Hawilla also agreed to forfeit over $151 million, $25 million of which was paid at the time of his plea.

On May 14, 2015, the defendants Traffic Sports USA Inc. and Traffic Sports International Inc. pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy.

All money forfeited by the defendants is being held in reserve to ensure its availability to satisfy any order of restitution entered at sentencing for the benefit of any individuals or entities that qualify as victims of the defendants’ crimes under federal law.

* * * *

The indictment unsealed today has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Raymond J. Dearie of the Eastern District of New York.

The indicted and convicted individual defendants face maximum terms of incarceration of 20 years for the RICO conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and obstruction of justice charges.  In addition, Eugenio Figueredo faces a maximum term of incarceration of 10 years for a charge of naturalization fraud and could have his U.S. citizenship revoked.  He also faces a maximum term of incarceration of five years for each tax charge.  Charles Blazer faces a maximum term of incarceration of 10 years for the FBAR charge and five years for the tax evasion charges; and Daryan and Daryll Warner face maximum terms of incarceration of 10 years for structuring financial transactions to evade currency reporting requirements.  Each individual defendant also faces mandatory restitution, forfeiture and a fine.  By the terms of their plea agreements, the corporate defendants face fines of $500,000 and one year of probation.

The government’s investigation is ongoing.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan M. Norris, Amanda Hector, Darren A. LaVerne, Samuel P. Nitze, Keith D. Edelman and Brian D. Morris of the Eastern District of New York, with assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Organized Crime and Gang Section.

The Indicted Defendants:

ALEJANDRO BURZACO
Age:  50
Nationality: Argentina

AARON DAVIDSON
Age:  44
Nationality: USA

RAFAEL ESQUIVEL
Age:  68
Nationality: Venezuela

EUGENIO FIGUEREDO
Age:   83
Nationality: USA, Uruguay

HUGO JINKIS
Age:   70
Nationality: Argentina

MARIANO JINKIS
Age:   40
Nationality: Argentina

NICOLÁS LEOZ
Age:   86
Nationality: Paraguay

EDUARDO LI
Age:   56
Nationality: Costa Rica

JOSÉ MARGULIES, also known as José Lazaro
Age:   75
Nationality: Brazil

JOSÉ MARIA MARIN
Age:   83
Nationality: Brazil

JULIO ROCHA
Age:   64
Nationality: Nicaragua

COSTAS TAKKAS
Age:   58
Nationality: United Kingdom

JACK WARNER
Age:   72
Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago

JEFFREY WEBB
Age:   50
Nationality: Cayman Islands

The Convicted Defendants:

CHARLES BLAZER
Age:   70
Nationality: USA

JOSÉ HAWILLA
Age:   71
Nationality: Brazil

DARYAN WARNER
Age:   46
Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada

DARYLL WARNER
Age:   40
Nationality: USA, Trinidad and Tobago

TRAFFIC SPORTS INTERNATIONAL INC.

Registered:  British Virgin Islands

TRAFFIC SPORTS USA INC.

Registered:  USA

E.D.N.Y. Docket Numbers:

United States v. Daryll Warner, 13 Cr. 402 (WFK)

United States v. Daryan Warner, 13 Cr. 584 (WFK)

United States v. Charles Blazer, 13 Cr. 602 (RJD)

United States v. José Hawilla, 14 Cr. 609 (RJD)

United States v. Traffic Sports International, Inc., 14 Cr. 609 (RJD)

United States v. Traffic Sports USA, Inc., 14 Cr. 609 (RJD)

United States v. Jeffrey Webb et al., 15 Cr. 252 (RJD)

[Flex]

Jack Warner responds. Warner faces extradition, named among FIFA officials indicted in US.
T&T Guardian Reports.

Jack Warner is among several powerful figures in global football facing charges over widespread corruption over the past two decades, the New York Times reported.

UPDATE: Warner responds to international media reports

In a media release this morning Warner disassociates himself from the investigations stating that he has left FIFA and international football more than four years ago.
 
“It has been reported that a number of FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland and that at least one raid conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigators in Miami is being executed at what I presume to be CONCACAF offices. 
 
“My name is being reported by international media as being one of those persons sought in connection with the probe. 
 
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit FIFA and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation,” Warner said. 
 
Reaffirming his innocence, Warner stated that he was afforded no due process and was not questioned on the matter.
 
“I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption. I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter.  I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges.   I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die,” he said.
 
Warner claimed that FIFA matters no longer concern him. However he noted the controversial upcoming elections. 
 
“The actions of FIFA no longer concern me.   I cannot help but note however that these cross- border coordinated actions come at a time when FIFA is assembled for elections to select a President who is universally disliked by the international community.   At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football.  World football is an enormous international business,” he said.
 
Warner added that his sole focus is now on the people of T&T and he will continue with his political life.   
 
“That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish to advise the hundreds of thousands of persons who support the ILP that my commitment to them and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is undaunted and can never be broken,” he said.

FIFA: No re-vote on 2018 and 2022 World Cups, presidential election WILL go ahead and we're the "damaged party"
By Ben Curtis (mirror.co.uk)

Football's governing body is in disarray after two separate investigations were launched into claims of bribery and how the Russia and Qatar tournaments were allocated

FIFA insist there will be NO re-vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia despite a corruption investigation from Swiss authorities into the bidding process for both tournaments.

And a spokesperson claimed it's the governing body that is the "damaged party" after six FIFA officials were arrested in Zurich this morning on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day.

This includes vice-president Jeffrey Webb and five others who each face extradition to the US to face charges.

A separate investigation into the allocation of the next two World Cups was soon afterwards announced by the Attorney General of Switzerland.

But in an incredible press conference, Walter de Gregorio, FIFA's director of communications and public affairs, claimed that:

•FIFA is the "damaged party"

•There will be NO revote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups

•Friday's presidential election - expected to see Sepp Blatter re-elected for another four years - will go ahead as planned, as will the FIFA congress

•Those arrested this morning will NOT be suspended by FIFA

Gregorio, who admitted the timing of this morning's developments was "obviously not ideal", confirmed Blatter was not arrested this morning and is not under investigation.

When asked whether he could confirm the names of those arrested, and whether there would be a revote on the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the FIFA spokesman remained defiant.

"Two nos for you. No no. I cannot confirm the names, I cannot confirm how many people have been arrested.

"I can say what I can say as the president said in past press conference. The World Cups in 2018 and 2022 will be played in Russia and Qatar."

He added: "I wish to repeat that in this case, FIFA is the damaged party. There were no searches within the offices of FIFA.

"The people of the General Attorney are here and we work with them. It is in the highest interest that these questions can be answered after our complaint lodged on November 18th."

And FIFA's 65th Congress, set to meet in Zurich on Friday, will take place where Blatter will go up against Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan in the presidential election.

De Gregorio said: "FIFA suffering under the circumstances. It's a difficult moment for us. We have the congress about to start. Of course, congress will take place."

Police said the bribery arrests were made "without opposition" although some were seen being covered by bed sheets as they were led from the hotel.

A statement from the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) read: "The six soccer functionaries were arrested today in Zurich by the Zurich Cantonal Police.

"The FOJ's arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities."

Hotel staff trying to use sheets to hide officials as they exit. pic.twitter.com/o0VFKuFnQi

— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) May 27, 2015

"The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day.

"The bribery suspects - representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms - are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries - delegates of Fifa and other functionaries of Fifa sub-organisations - totalling more than 100 million US dollars."

"In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with soccer tournaments in Latin America.

"According to the US request, these crimes were agreed and prepared in the US, and payments were carried out via US banks."

The FIFA officials charged under the probe are Jeffrey Webb, Eugenio Figueredo, Jack Warner, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel, José Maria Marin and Nicolás Leoz.

Swiss officials said the suspects' deportation could be sanctioned immediately.

It is understood the US investigation goes well beyond FIFA and will involve sports-marketing executives across Latin America.

An investigator told the New York Times: "We’re struck by just how long this went on for and how it touched nearly every part of what FIFA did.

"It just seemed to permeate every element of the federation and was just their way of doing business. It seems like this corruption was institutionalised."

The investigation is being led by US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, he came into office in February.

She is due to hold a press conference in New York later this morning.

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, standing against Blatter in FIFA's elections, said: "Today is a sad day for football.

"Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

[Sando prince]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/jMfnjMY7mKc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/jMfnjMY7mKc</a>

[AB.Trini]

Leh we begin to follow the YELLOW Brick road in TNT- what does the law state to those who profited from funds from suspect sources?
Which political parties/ Individuals / groups or business inTnT gained from the mark that bust today? Would they all be Implicated?
Is it a twist of irony that there were massive resignations for our Integrity commission? Yuh don't think that our AG was not aware that this was coming down?
Who will it take to weed out corruption in our governing bodies in TnT?

[Sando prince]

Process may take months, says West

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150527/news/process-may-take-months-says-west

While the Government has acceded to the extradition request by the United States, it will take months before former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner is actually extradited.

Former head of the Central Authority David West explained yesterday that now that bail has been granted, the United States has 60 days within which to produce evidence.

This, he said, will be done through the Central Authority.

After this, he explained, there will be a preliminary hearing.

All this could take up to four months before it reaches the High Court.

He said if Warner consents, then there will be no case and the process will be faster.

However, if Warner seeks to challenge the matter with a judicial review, it could delay the matter.

West is also head of the Police Complaints Authority.

[AB.Trini]

Today marks a sad day  a tragedy in the legacy of one of our native sons- this is not time for gloating nor time to rejoice in another's sorrow.  Retribution yes, but this also marks a failure of those who were near and close to  allow one to falter without intervening. How many more were receipents of a " Robin Hoodism" kind of act from one who atttained such great heights? Yes indeed the tragic flaws of greed ,arrogance  and vile contagious corruptible exploitation of people is not worthy of sympathy.
We are mere mortals and frailty is our destiny- where are the political friends that cheered and gathered around in the market place and exalted such praises and adulation? Where are those whose alleged political journey was paved with seemingly ill gotten gains? Where are those who worshipped and adored you? The flame has flickered and today we see the tragic hero's demise.
Is this the ' Big Fish'? Will a tsunami of paramount proportions be unleashed by the band of merry followers who were once loyal comrades?
Will the truth of all the unresolved issues which has plagued this island be finally  be revealed as an act of penance?
Is this the catalyst that elicits the purging of ills and sets the path for a rebirth in this land? Will the reversal in fortune be accompanied by. One who genuinely would like to make things right? Or will there be a sacrificial lamb that will be carved out and given up to the authorities while others sleek into the night like sheep in a cloistered cave?
Today there is no mourning no crying but a collective sigh and mood of blanketed shame for one of our native sons- collectively there were many who rejoiced in 2006 and attributed the success on the pitch to one man, today that collective must bare some burden of remorse for supporting and allowing one man to move along a chosen path to placate a hunger by fans who clutched at all the straws of a glory now faded in time- at what price? What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but lose th his soul? 
We are part of every man and one man suffering is but part of our own.
A nation who suspected and heard the allegations still elected and bestowed political office of the highest to this man- leaders saw fit to adorned hi with titles and accepted all that he had to offer!  today this lamb sacrifice must serve to correct the wrongs to teach the youths that I'll gotten gains comes at a price and that as a nation we need to recalibrate our moral compass and stand up to corruption stand up to unethical practices and walk in dignity .
Our leaders must lead without fear our president must take a stance and we as a people need to march and break down walls of criminality and corasive ele,nets in our society.

[Flex]

Mixed reaction in Chaguanas West
By Rhondor Dowlat (Guardian).

Chaguanas West constituents have expressed sadness over the arrest of their Member of Parliament Jack Warner on allegations of corruption and now want to know if this means that they will stand unrepresented in Parliament. When T&T Guardian visited the area yesterday there were mixed reactions to the news of his arrest in connection with the US Government probe into corruption in Fifa. However, the majority of people said they were shocked and saddened.

Sahadeo Ramroop, 68, of Charlieville, Chaguanas, described Warner as a kind-hearted man who went out of his way to help people. “He would take out money from his own pocket and help people. Some of them he built houses for. “He real fix up the constituency with nice roads, box drains and recreation grounds. Does this mean now that his seat will become vacant? Well if he is on corruption charges, well, that’s his business, he will have to see about himself. 

“It is something that everybody would feel sad for him but he will now have to go and prove himself innocent if he is,” he said. Felicity resident Surujday Basdeo, 65, also attested to Warner’s kind-heartedness. “I met him personally and he is a very nice man. He helped bury two of my relatives because they were dirt poor and we couldn’t afford to bury them. I sorry for him and I hope he get out some how.”

Another resident of Cacandee Road, who wished not to be identified, bluntly said he never liked Warner as a candidate and representative for the constituency because of all the allegations of fraud which loomed over his head. “I never supported Jack. He was too good to be true,” the resident said. Dularie Jaikaran, 60, said her heart goes out to Warner and his entire family.

“I am sure they are going through a tough time now because that kind of allegation is very serious. I can’t say nothing bad about him. He was good to the people of Felicity.” Another man, Ramesh Bandll, said he did not really care what happened to Warner. “He ain’t mean nothing to me, nah. He will have to face whatever now,” he said.

[Flex]

Analyst on Warner’s indictment: Bleak future for ILP
By Kevon Felmine (Guardian).

Political analyst Dr Maukesh Basdeo believes the charges against Jack Warner will diminish the Independent Liberal Party’s (ILP) chances in this year’s general election. He said Warner’s indictment would have a direct impact on the future of the ILP as it already had to grapple with the loss of several executive members over the past year, including its political leader Lyndira Oudit and chairman Robin Montano.

Labelling the ILP and Warner as one and the same, he said the party’s survival hanged on whether the remaining executive could find a suitable leader and field 41 candidates for the election. “Given what has happened today, I can’t see how the party could capitalise because currently there are charges against its political leader and the only ILP member in the Parliament,” Basdeo said

He said even if Warner was not extradited to the US to face corruption and fraud charges and continued to lead the party into the election, those allegations would still hang over his head. Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj said the indictment came as no surprise as Warner failed to heed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s advise to clear his name in 2013 after his name featured in a damning Concacaf report.

He added: “I think we have been expecting this for a number of years now, given the number of serious allegations that has been in the international domain. “I hope that the extradition is expeditiously done and Mr Warner goes and either clears his name or stands the consequence of his actions. I think the Prime Minster really afforded Mr Warner the opportunity as she never fired him from the Government.

“She said: ‘Listen Jack, go out and clear your name and when your name is cleared, you can come back in.’ “He opted to resign from Fifa and Concacaf rather than clear his name and the irony of ironies is that while he has these allegations of corruption hanging over his head, he proceeded then to accuse everybody in the Government of being corrupt as if to distract from his own problem by putting similar allegations on his former colleagues.

“This is sweet poetic justice that the man who accuses everybody of being corrupt is now being indicted for corruption allegations,” Maharaj added.

Labour Minister Errol McLeod: “Well I’m looking at the unfolding eve. I, like other colleagues, am not surprised at all and I hope that this particular event will put to rest all of the speculations and expectations that many might have been expressing. I think that this will have a very negative impact on the  ILP. I don’t think that party will survive.”

Minister of the Environment and Water Resources Ganga Singh: “I feel it is quite a tragedy that has befallen Mr Warner and his party. There is an indictment which is a charge and there is a presumption of innocence until one is proven guilty.

“Politically I think it is a lethal blow to the ILP. Mr Warner was ILP and ILP was Mr Warner. Only time will tell whether the party will survive.”

Works and Infrastructure Minister Surujrattan Rambachan: “It’s a very sad day for Trinidad and Tobago and one does not want to comment on the situation because it is ongoing so we just have to wait to see the outcome of what is unfolding.”

Former justice minister Emmanuel George: “I don't rush to judge people so I will let the court take its time to process and come to its own conclusion. Let the court rule.”

Planning Minister Bhoe Tewarie: “All I would say is that I don’t really want to get involved. The charges has clearly been laid against people. He is one of them. I don’t know where this will all go but I am not surprised.”

Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz: “My simple comment is what will be will be.”

[Flex]

JACK Warner JAILED
By JADA LOUTOO and RYAN HAMILTON-DAVIS
Thursday, May 28 2015
T&T Newsday
 
CHAGUANAS West Member of Parliament and former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner spent last night in jail after he was unable to have bail documents approved to allow his release on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies in connection with a 24-year scheme to enrich himself by corrupting soccer.

A generally sombre Warner managed some smiles and a wave as he emerged from the Port-of- Spain Magistrates’ Court at 5 pm yesterday after being granted $2.5 million bail by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayes Caesar before whom he appeared. He surrendered to police about an hour earlier.

When his matter came up in the courtroom, his attorney Fyard Hosein told the chief magistrate that he had secured “pre-approved” bail in the sum of $1.9 million. This drew a quizzical look from Ayers Caesar who asked the attorney what he meant. Hosein responded that it was the sum approved by a Justice of the Peace.

However, the chief magistrate made it clear that it was for her to determine the bail amount and ordered the sum of $2.5 million instead. Warner went to the Fraud Squad at the corner of Richmond and Park streets in Port-of-Spain hours after he and 13 others, all overseas football officials, were indicted by the United States Department of Justice accused of abusing their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.

In a press statement, issued early yesterday after the 47-count indictment was unsealed in a Federal court in Brooklyn, New York, and began making international headlines on most news networks including the BBC and CNN, Warner maintained his innocence and said FIFA business no longer concerned him. He also said in a radio interview early yesterday morning that he was able to sleep at nights and that if the United States Department of Justice wanted him, they knew where to find him. (See Pages 16 and 17)

In addition to being an MP, Warner is political leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), which will be contesting 41 seats in the upcoming general elections Although granted bail by the chief magistrate, Warner was unable to get the documents approved and was taken to the Frederick Street remand yard, after last ditch efforts to rectify matters failed. He is due to return to court on July 9, but his attorneys are expected to iron out the bail issues today to allow him to be released.

A provisional warrant of arrest was sought by the United States for Warner’s extradition to that country to answer an eight-count indictment. At about 2.30 pm yesterday, Warner and his attorneys went to the Fraud Squad offices where he surrendered. Almost an hour later, he was taken by police to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court where he appeared before the chief magistrate who read out the 12 charges to him and subsequently heard the bail application by his lead attorney Hosein.

Hosein told Ayers Caesar that his client was entitled to bail, was of good character and was a sitting Member of Parliament, a former teacher, Minister and Special Reserve Policeman. With no objections, the chief magistrate set bail in the sum of $2.5 million with a surety, to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace. She also ordered that Warner surrender his passport and report to the Arouca Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 am and 6 pm. Hosein indicated that they had a pre-approved deed, as well as other documents, to cover bail in the sum of $1.9 million. Once bail was set at $2.5 million, another deed was brought but it made little difference to the Clerk of the Peace III, whose approval was required.

According to the charges, Warner and several others, are alleged to have systematically paid and agreed to pay over $150 million in bribes and kickbacks to obtain lucrative media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments.

A suited Warner sat quietly in the prisoners’ docks throughout his court appearance. His only response was “Thank You Ma’am”, before being led out of the courtroom by court and process officers.

At about 4.54 pm, a marked police vehicle reversed into the area at the St Vincent Street Magistrates’ Court reserved for prisoners, leading to speculation that Warner would be going to prison for the night. Confirmation came minutes later and he was taken to the Frederick Street remand yard. One man among scores of curious onlookers who gathered outside the courts to get a glimpse of the former FIFA boss, loudly expressed his support for Warner, saying he should be tried in an international court rather than in “biased” US courts.

As Warner was taken from the courthouse, one woman almost collapsed in grief while his driver also wept openly. In a statement earlier in the day, Warner distanced himself from the investigations and questioned the timing of the arrests. (See Page 5)

Of the 14 former FIFA officials and corporate executives indicted in the American courts, seven of them were arrested yesterday in Zurich where the international football body is curently meeting to elect a new president. Four other men previously pleaded guilty to the US charges including Warner’s two sons, Daryan and Daryll.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said: “The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and here in the United States. It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks. And it has profoundly harmed a multitude of victims, from the youth leagues and developing countries that should benefit from the revenue generated by the commercial rights these organisations hold, to the fans at home and throughout the world whose support for the game makes those rights valuable.”

“Today’s action makes clear that this Department of Justice intends to end any such corrupt practices, to root out misconduct, and to bring wrongdoers to justice – and we look forward to continuing to work with other countries in this effort,” she said.

Also appearing for Warner during his court appearance in Port- of-Spain yesterday were Rishi Dass, Nyree Alphonso and Rekha Ramjit. Senior Counsel Pamela Elder leads Jagdeo Singh, Gerald Ramdeen, Richard Mason and Alvin Pariagsingh for the requesting state.

The Central Authority, through which the US is seeking Warner’s extradition, is represented by its Head, Netram Kowlessar.

[Flex]

Sancho wants Warner answer FBI questions
By STEPHON NICHOLAS (Newsday).

Minister of Sport and former Soca Warrior, Brent Sancho, believes ex-FIFA vice-president Jack Warner should be extradited to the United States “to answer serious questions” posed to him by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations).

Sancho was speaking with Newsday following an early morning sweep in Switzerland by police on delegates who were convening for Friday’s FIFA presidential election where incumbent Sepp Blatter is seeking a fifth consecutive term.

Warner, who resigned from FIFA in June 2011 amid a proliferation of allegations of corruption, is named among 14 persons indicted including current Concacaf boss Jeffrey Webb for racketeering, fraud and money laundering.

Sancho, who had a personal battle with Warner and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for 2006 World Cup bonuses and accountability for close to $200 million from the 2006 World Cup campaign, had little sympathy for the former Special Adviser to the TTFA.

“I believe once there is concrete evidence he should answer what questions are raised to him. And based on the international reports that have been coming out for the last few years he has to answer a number of serious questions,” he stated.

Sancho said he was not surprised by yesterday’s developments as he reminded the public that Warner is not untouchable despite the power he once wielded throughout the world.

“I am not surprised at all. This has been something in the making for quite a while. There has been a number of allegations around FIFA and the only real surprise is that it has taken so long. There was the (Mohammed) bin Hammam situation (alleged US$40k bribes to (Caribbean officials) right here in Trinidad. He’s not untouchable but it is unprecedented. FIFA has been a law unto themselves for quite a while,” he said.

Sancho said this current FIFA scandal is a reminder to all sporting bodies to adhere to the principles of integrity while in office as no longer will the world sit back and allow corrupt sporting activities to continue unpunished.

“It’s a historic day in terms of how people will conduct business. We at home and the TTFA need to be cognizant of this. I’m not saying they have done anything illegal but we must be aware that accountability is a must. People must remember how powerful Concacaf is in terms of voting because of the number of countries we have. It has a lot to say in terms of everything going on at FIFA and what is playing out right now,” he explained.

Asked whether he feels vindicated considering their much publicised battle with Warner and the TTFA, Sancho said: “One thing is for sure is we unearthed a lot of stuff to do with what’s transpiring now. We are happy that the stuff we unearthed has now come home to roost. It’s a sad day for football,” he declared.

Asked whether FIFA has any credibility left, Sancho did not give a definite answer but urged football’s governing body to use this scandal as the impetus to purge itself from corrupt activities and officials. “That is the million dollar question now. Where do they go from here? From allegations to now arrests, I hope things can be cleansed but we don’t know how this will now affect tournaments coming up,” he said.

[asylumseeker]

Has there been no Cabinet statement on the matter? All I'm reading is a smorgasbord of opinion.

[Sando prince]

[E-man]

'Jack's accountant bought foreign $$'
By Camini Marajh (T&T Express)

The JTA Supermarket chain is the business interest currently engaging the attention of Uni­ted States law enforcement au­thorities, sources have disclosed.

The eight-count federal indict­­ment, which makes corruption allegations against former government minister Jack Warner, alleges the ex-FIFA vice-president diverted a "significant portion" of a US$10 million bribe to his private account in a local bank and "laundered the funds through accounts held in the name of a large supermarket chain and affiliated investment company in Trinidad".

Sources have identified the supermarket chain as JTA Supermarket and the affiliated company mentioned in the US- issued indictment against War-ner as JT Allum and Co Ltd.

Owner and director of the JTA Group Carl Mack yes­- ter­­day confirmed there were "some foreign currency pur­cha­ses" from Warner by the company's accountant, Kenny Rampersad.

As reported in a 12-part series published in this newspaper in 2013, Rampersad was also Warner's accountant-in-chief for myriad football entities, including Con­- cacaf, the regional confede- ration comprising North and Central America and the Caribbean; Caribbean Football Union (CFU); Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF); LOC Germany 2006 Ltd; and the disputed Centre of Excellence in Macoya. He was also the auditor for Concacaf.

Reached for comment, Mack said all of the foreign currency purchases from Warn­- er were done by his accountant, who also happened to be Warn- er's main man of business. He said the requisite source of funds declarations were made for all of the foreign exchange purchases from Warner.

Rampersad, best known for his role in producing four sets of conflicting TTFF financial state­ments in as many years, refused comment when contacted by the Express yesterday.

"I cannot speak now," he said when this reporter identified herself.

Told we were calling about foreign currency transactions related to the JTA group, Ram­persad said, "I said I cannot speak now!"

Pressed on the issue of JTA being mentioned in the indictment, he repeated his comment of being unable to speak and said only, "The timing is bad," before terminating the call.

As reported in our series, a minimum of $205.6 million in public and private sector funds was paid to the national football association, in support of the 2006 World Cup campaign.

The various Rampersad financial statements however painted a far more modest picture and reflected many discre­pancies, and more than a $100 million missing in World Cup income.

[Flex]

Fresh from prison Warner says he's not holding back any longer on Kamla.
By Anna Ramdass (Express).

The Gloves are Off

Declaring that the "gloves are off", Jack Warner said last night he that intends to go after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and reveal all through a tape which he will give to four lawyers.

Warner was speaking for the first time since being released from prison at an Independent Liberal Party (ILP) cottage meeting in Endeavour, Chaguanas.

“I want to tell Kamla that as of tonight the gloves are off! Kamla having jailed me, as of tonight the gloves are off!” said Warner.

“Everything I have against Kamla I will bring it out. I have kept it back too long and I will bring it out...but not tonight,” he continued.

Warner said he feels his life is under threat and as such he has decided to make a video tape and give it to four lawyers--from the ILP, the People's National Movement (PNM), the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) and his own private attorney.

Warner, a former FIFA Vice President , was taken to prison on Wednesday evening after appearing before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar in the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court following his surrender to Fraud Squad detectives earlier that day.

He is wanted in the United States on charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering in that country and Trinidad and Tobago while holding the position of vice-president of FIFA. The indictment lists eight charges, but when Warner appeared before Ayers-Caesar, a total of 12 charges were read. The alleged offences occurred as far back as 1990.

He was released yesterday after supplying a proper deed to secure his $2.5 million bail.

Persad-Bissessar, when questioned by the media yesterday following the opening of the new Maloney Police Station, said she received no funding from Warner when she contested the United National Congress (UNC) internal election in 2010. She also denied receiving money from Warner for the 2010 general election or the 2013 Tobago House of Assembly election.

“I will tell you something--she lie,” said Warner last night in response to her comments. He said he will name all the contractors he and Persad-Bissessar went to.

Warner said in one case it was so “obscene” that he walked out and “Stacy (Roopnarine) walked in”.“All gloves are off, I remained silent for too long...they believe they could walk all over me,” said Warner.

Warner maintained he is innocent of the charges leveled against him by US authorities.He said if he's being accused of financial impropriety, then the question should be asked, who gave it (the money).

He said this issue was bigger than people in Trinidad and Tobago think. “Why is it only third world countries are charged?” he asked. He further questioned what was wrong in giving countries like Russia and Qatar the opportunity to host the World Cup. He said being from a third world country, he understood Qatar's position but, “the US felt they have the divine right to anything”.

He said that he cut all ties with FIFA four years ago. “If after four years they still can't forget Jack Warner something wrong,” he said. Warner said he was never questioned with respect to the charges made against him. “They never ask me once...charges...I Jack Warner know nothing about those charges, what our lawyers have done is tell them to prove it,” he said.

Calls from Panday/Dookeran

Warner said he was overwhelmed with calls and messages from all over the globe. But the two calls that touched his heart were from the Panday family—former prime minister Basdeo Panday, his wife Oma and daughter Mickela - and the second call from Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran and his wife. He disclosed that though he was depressed as he has never been to jail in his life, he thinks it is a “mark of honour” as he noted that Basdeo Panday, Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi and (Fidel) Castro all served time in jail. He said he received “Hyatt” treatment whilst in jail and showered praise and gratitude to the prison officers and deputy Prisons Commissioner.

Warner also slammed Attorney General Garvin Nicholas, whom he claimed signed extradition papers in 15 minutes.He said it took three months before extradition papers were signed for Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson.“How the hell after five years he can't ask the US to send back Calder Hart here,” said Warner.

Warner claimed everything that was happening was a plot by the Government to get rid of him. “I'm surprised that Keith (Rowley) didn't understand that,” said Warner, expressing disappointment over the comments Rowley made in an Express report.

He said the Government, “having killed Rowley” with his suspension from Parliament, was now turning on him.

Warner's return was an emotional one for his supporters as Josh Groban's “You Lift Me Up” was played on his entry. Warner noted the heavy media presence at last night's meeting, including the BBC.

"If to make one day jail cause that I should make two,” he joked.“Jack is alive and kicking. I want to tell you he will be with you to the end,” said Warner.

[Flex]

'Jack's accountant bought foreign $$'
By Camini Marajh (Express).

The JTA Supermarket chain is the business interest currently engaging the attention of Uni­ted States law enforcement au­thorities, sources have disclosed.

The eight-count federal indict­­ment, which makes corruption allegations against former government minister Jack Warner, alleges the ex-FIFA vice-president diverted a "significant portion" of a US$10 million bribe to his private account in a local bank and "laundered the funds through accounts held in the name of a large supermarket chain and affiliated investment company in Trinidad".

Sources have identified the supermarket chain as JTA Supermarket and the affiliated company mentioned in the US- issued indictment against War-ner as JT Allum and Co Ltd.

Owner and director of the JTA Group Carl Mack yes­- ter­­day confirmed there were "some foreign currency pur­cha­ses" from Warner by the company's accountant, Kenny Rampersad.

As reported in a 12-part series published in this newspaper in 2013, Rampersad was also Warner's accountant-in-chief for myriad football entities, including Con­- cacaf, the regional confede- ration comprising North and Central America and the Caribbean; Caribbean Football Union (CFU); Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF); LOC Germany 2006 Ltd; and the disputed Centre of Excellence in Macoya. He was also the auditor for Concacaf.

Reached for comment, Mack said all of the foreign currency purchases from Warn­- er were done by his accountant, who also happened to be Warn- er's main man of business. He said the requisite source of funds declarations were made for all of the foreign exchange purchases from Warner.

Rampersad, best known for his role in producing four sets of conflicting TTFF financial state­ments in as many years, refused comment when contacted by the Express yesterday.

"I cannot speak now," he said when this reporter identified herself.

Told we were calling about foreign currency transactions related to the JTA group, Ram­persad said, "I said I cannot speak now!"

Pressed on the issue of JTA being mentioned in the indictment, he repeated his comment of being unable to speak and said only, "The timing is bad," before terminating the call.

As reported in our series, a minimum of $205.6 million in public and private sector funds was paid to the national football association, in support of the 2006 World Cup campaign.

The various Rampersad financial statements however painted a far more modest picture and reflected many discre­pancies, and more than a $100 million missing in World Cup income.

US$1.4m sent to grocery owner.
By Gail Alexander (Guardian).

US not keen on Jack’s Trini co-conspirator...

There has been no request by the US authorities for the extradition of anyone else from T&T besides Jack Warner, such as the Trinidadian supermarket chain businessman named in US court documents as “individual one” and who was alleged to be the person to whom Warner transferred US$1.4 million in 2008.

Attorney General Garvin Nicholas confirmed the situation yesterday following queries about the businessman described in the court documents as someone who also “controlled a real estate and investment company in T&T.”

Cheques totalling approximately the same $1.4 million amount and drawn on an account held in the name of Trinidadian Company B, a real estate and investment company also controlled by Individual 1, were deposited into a bank account held in the name of Warner and a family member at First Citizens Bank in T&T, according to the US court document.

The document stated that “individual one” and the companies the person controlled in T&T were known to the US grand jury.

Nicholas said T&T had issued a lot of information but would not detail aspects.

The 166-page court document concerns the US’ case against “The Fifa 14”, football world defendants,  on whom US authorities moved on Wednesday. The document lists Warner as the fifth person in the case.

The document was filed in the US (Eastern) District Court of New York since May 20 but was unsealed on Wednesday, the same day US authorities, who arrived in T&T recently,  began an application with T&T’s Central Authority for Warner’s extradition. Nicholas said the US had 60 days in which to do that.

The US case alleges that certain people and entities employed by and associated with Fifa, including the 14 defendants, used their positions within the enterprise to engage “in schemes involving the solicitation, offer, acceptance, payment and receipt of undisclosed and illegal payments, bribes, and kickbacks... the defendants and their co-conspirators corrupted the enterprise by engaging in various criminal activities, including fraud, bribery and money laundering, in pursuit of personal and commercial gain... to further their corrupt ends, the defendants and their co-conspirators provided one another with mutual aid and protection.”

The eight charges Warner has been indicted on pertain to various specific alleged issues in his football executive career.

The charges include racketeering, bribery, conspiring to devise a scheme to defraud the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and obtain money/property by false/fraudulent pretences, money laundering by conspiring to transport, transmit/transfer funds from places in the US to places outside and wire fraud conspiracy and schemeing to defraud Fifa, Concacaf and the CFU.

The comprehensive document details the enterprise of Fifa, continental federations, regional federations and national associations, sports marketing companies, the defendants, co-conspirators, conspirators’ corruption of the enterprise and an overview of the racketeering conspiracy which allegedly occurred.

Other segments deal with scandal and resignations of Warner and another official, continued corruption of Fifa and obstruction of justice.

Another category deals with alleged criminal schemes concerning various football games in certain locations, including CFU World Cup qualifier “schemes”, the 2010 World Cup vote “scheme” and 2011 Fifa presidential election “schemes”. 

The document describes Warner as a T&T citizen and “between approximately 1993 and 2013, a legal permanent resident of the US.”

Contents mapped Warner’s operation in Fifa, including dealing with several of 25 co-conspirators listed in the document. Among them, for instance, the document stated that at various times, co-conspirator 14, “a relative of Warner,” was a businessman involved in, among things, a number of soccer-related ventures. It was alleged that Warner established and controlled in T&T and elsewhere, numerous bank accounts and corporate entities in which he mingled his personal assets and those of Concacaf, CFU and T&T Football Federation.”

BUSINESSMAN KNOWN BUT NOT CRITICAL TO CASE

In the issue concerning the Trinidadian businessman, the document claimed that in/about 2004, Fifa’s executive committee considered bids from Morocco, South Africa and Egypt, as well as other nations that withdrew before the vote to host the 2010 World Cup. The document alleged that “previously, Warner and his family had cultivated ties with South African soccer officials in connection with and subsequent to a failed bid by South Africa to host the 2006 World Cup.

It alleged that “in early 2000s, co-conspirator 14, a member of Warner’s family, had used Warner’s South African contacts to organise friendly matches for Concacaf teams to play in South Africa.

It claimed at one point Warner also directed co-conspirator 14 to fly to Paris, France and accept a briefcase containing bundles of US currency in $10,000 stacks in a hotel room from co-conspirator 15 a high-ranking South Africa bid committee official.

It claimed “hours after arriving in Paris, co-conspirator 14 boarded a return flight and carried the briefcase back to T&T where they provided it to Warner.”

It also claimed that in the months before the selection of the host nation for the 2010 World Cup, scheduled to be done in May 2004, Warner and co-conspirator one travelled to Morocco, as they had done in 1992 in advance of the voting for the 1998 World Cup host.

While in Morocco during the 2004 trip, it alleged that a representative of the Moroccan bid committee offered to pay $1 million to Warner in exchange for his agreement to cast his secret ballot on the Fifa executive committee for Morocco to host the 2010 World Cup.“Subsequently co-conspirator one learned from Warner that high Fifa officials, the South African Government and the South Africa bid committee, including co-conspirator 16, were prepared to arrange for the SA Government to pay $10 million to CFU  to “support the African diaspora.”

The document alleged:  “Co-conspirator one understood the offer to be in exchange for the agreement of Warner, conspirator one and also 17 to all vote for South Africa rather than Morocco to host the 2010 World Cup.

Warner indicated that he had accepted the offer and to co-conspirator one that he would give a $1 million portion of the $10 million payment to co-conspirator one.”

In Fifa’s committee vote on May 15, 2004, South Africa was selected over Morocco and Egypt to host the 2010 match.

Warner, co conspirator one and 17 indicated they voted for South Africa. In the months and years after the vote co-conspirator oner periodically asked Warner about the status of the $10 million payment.

“On January 2, 2008, January 31, 2008 and March 7, 2008, a high-ranking Fifa official caused payments of $616,000, $1.6 million and $7.7 million, totalling $10 million, to be wired from a Fifa account in Switzerland to a Bank of America account in New York for credit to the accounts held in the names of CFU and Concacaf, but controlled by Warner at Republic Bank in T&T,” the document alleged. “Soon after receiving  these wire transfers, Warner caused a substantial portion of the funds to be diverted for his personal use.

“January 9, 2008, Warner directed Republic Bank officials to apply $200,000 of the $616,000 that had been transferred into a CFU account from Fifa one week earlier towards a personal loan account held in his name.”

The document alleged Warner also diverted a portion of the funds into his personal accounts by “laundering the funds through intermediaries.”

It added: “During the period from January 16, 2008 to March 27, 2008, Warner caused approximately $1.4 million of the $10 million to be transferred to Individual one, a Trinidadian businessman whose identity is known to the grand jury and Trinidadian Company A, a large supermarket chain in T&T controlled by individual one.

“Weeks later, cheques totalling approximately the same amount and drawn on an account held in the name of Trinidadian Company B, real estate and investment company also controlled by individual one, were deposited into a bank account held in the name of Warner and a family member at First Citizens Bank in T&T.”

The document stated the identities of Trinidadian Company A and Trinidadian Company B are known to the (US) grand jury.

It alleged that during the three years following Warner’s receipt of the $10 million from Fifa, he made three payments to co-conspirator one ,totalling over $750,000 in partial payment of the $1 million that Warner had earlier promised that person as part of the bribe scheme.

The first payment, $$298,500,  made by wire transfer, went on/about December 19 2008 from an account held in the name of CFU at Republic Bank, T&T, to a Bank of America correspondent account in NY for credit to an account  controlled by co-conspirator one at a Cayman Islands bank.

The second payment, $205,000, was made by cheque drawn on an account held in the name of CFU at Republic Bank, T&T. It is alleged that on/about September 27, 2010, co-conspirator one caused the cheque to be deposited into his Merrill Lynch brokerage account in NY. “Approximately one month earlier, on or about August 23, 2010, Warner sent an email to co-conspirator one to advise him that the payment was forthcoming.”

The third payment, $250,000, was made by cheque drawn in CFU’s name at Republic Bank, T&T. The cheque was delivered to co-conspirator one by another individual who travelled by airplane from T&T to JFK in NY and then to Concacaf’s head office in NY, where he delivered the cheque to co-conspirator one.

It was claimed that approximately two months earlier,  March 13, 2011, Warner sent an email to co-conspirator one to advise him that another payment was forthcoming but the document stated that co-conspirator one “never received the balance of the promised $1 million payment...”

[Flex]

PM: Jack never funded UNC
By CAROL MATROO (Newsday)
Friday, May 29 2015

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday denied that the United National Congress (UNC) received any financing from Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader and former FIFA vice-president, Austin Jack Warner, when he was a member of that party.

“I received no financing from Mr Warner.

“He may have financed his own campaign in 2010, but as the leader of the Partnership and leader of the UNC, I received no financing whatsoever from him prior to party internal elections in 2010, and thereafter into the general election,” Persad-Bissessar said.

The Prime Minister, speaking to members of the media after the formal opening of the Maloney Police Station. The PM also said she, “definitely did not receive any funding whatsoever for the THA election as leader of the Partnership or as Prime Minister.”

Persad-Bissessar also said she has not held back the election date because of any advanced knowledge of what would have transpired with Warner who has been named in US indictments for eight charges including racketeering and fraud.

“I have repeatedly said I will call the election within the constitutional mandate. I said I will serve my full term and today marks exactly five years since the formation of my Cabinet.

“The election date has nothing to do with these events, it has to do with fulfilling my mandate that was given by the electorate for five years and I still have to complete my five years on the parliamentary term,” she said.

The Prime Minister said there was no comparison between the situation of Warner and that of former United National Congress financiers Ishwar Galbaralsingh and Steve Ferguson.

Businessmen Galbaransingh and Ferguson had appeared before this country’s courts on fraud charges relating to the Piarco Airport construction project.

The decision by then Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to extradite the men was quashed by Justice Aronnie Boodoosingh. Persad-Bissessar said comments being made regarding efforts to extradite Warner and efforts to prevent Galbaransingh and Ferguson from same, were unjustified as, while there were some similarities, they were still very different matters.

“The process is the same which is to say the request has been made by the government of the United States to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the provisional arrest and extradition (of Warner).

“That provisional request is then taken before a magistrate for the magistrate to have issued a local warrant for the arrest of the person, and thereafter fix a date for the hearing of the extradition proceedings,” she explained.

The Prime Minister said there were the same proceedings in both matters as in both cases, extradition request was signed by the Attorney General after which the matter went to court.

[Sando prince]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/MSG5fi2XntM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/MSG5fi2XntM</a>

[Flex]

Aussies want back $2.9m
By Camini Marajh (Express).

Senator writes US AG Lynch on stolen FAA funds

The controversial US$462,200 (TT$2.93 million) payment made by the Football Federation Australia (FFA) to former CONCACAF boss (the ruling football body for North and Central America and the Caribbean) Jack Warner in the run-up to the 2010 vote on World Cup hosting rights, was done through an international money transfer service based in the United Kingdom, a source close to the US corruption investigation into organised crime in world football has said.

Significantly, the September 16, 2010 cheque issued by Travelex Global Business Payments, to a US-dollar Concacaf account at Republic Bank in Port of Spain, does not identify the FFA as the source of funds and was paid by Travelex through correspondent bank, BNY Mellon (Bank of New York) located at the corner of Wall Street and Broadway in Manhattan's Financial District.

The US source, who spoke on condition of strict anonymity, told the Sunday Express that the payment documents associated with the FFA US$462K donation for a Trinidad stadium upgrade and which ended up in Warner's pockets, failed to disclose the FFA's identity as the source of funds.

Australia has spent about US$40 million on its failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The source of funds declaration submitted on the Travelex/Republic Bank transaction erroneously identifies the source of the US$462,200 payment as "sponsorship from Travelex Global Business Payments," according to the source.

The US-dollar CONCACAF bank account which was controlled by the influential Caribbean football jefe and voting member of FIFA, the world governing body for football, was also used by Warner to conduct a slew of private transactions.

The April 18, 2013 CONCACAF Integrity Committee Report which made corrupt conduct findings against Warner, including fraud and misappropriation of money, also spoke about the theft of funds from the FFA.

"On or about September 23, 2010, the FFA provided US$462,200 to Concacaf to support the upgrade of the Marvin Lee Stadium at the Centre of Excellence. These funds were provided through Australia's Football Development Programme in connection with its 2022 FIFA World Cup bid," said the report.

The Sunday Express was told, however, that the Travelex-issued cheque was deposited into the Republic Bank account # 000211059222 on September 23, 2010 although the CONCACAF report talked about an FFA cheque.

The report said this about the transaction: "The funds from the FFA were provided by cheque made out to CONCACAF and deposited into a bank account maintained at Republic Bank, Trinidad."

"The funds, however, were not accounted for in the CONCACAF general ledger or reported as income in its financial statements for 2010. Although the Committee was unable to locate records evidencing how this money was spent, bank records show that Warner commingled his personal funds in the same account to which the FFA payment was deposited," said the Sir David Simmons-led Integrity Committee investigative report which accused Warner of systemic corruption and self-dealing during his 20-year reign of CONCACAF.

Frank Lowy, chairman of the FFA, was not immediately available for comment about the method of payment used by the Australian football association or why the payment documents identify Travelex and not the FFA as the source of funds or why the FFA would ignore Australia's large swathe of rundown stadiums to help Warner out.

And although FIFA's rules disallowed bid committees or any of their associations from giving gifts to FIFA officials or trying to influence the vote in any way, several bidding nations, including Australia, provided expensive gifts to the former high-flying FIFA executive and Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West.

As reported previously by this reporter, Bonita Mersiades, former corporate affairs manager of the FFA turned whistleblower, was instructed to buy a pearl pendant for Warner's wife Maureen after the bid rules were issued by the world football governing body.

"At the time I bought them I sent a note to my boss and to Frank Lowy more or less saying that I felt very uncomfortable buying this necklace at this time as it fell outside the FIFA guidelines. I don't consider a US$2,000 gift to be incidental but the reaction to the note was to be told not to write a note like that again," said Mersiades, in a 2014 interview with the Sunday Express.

Mersiades is among the growing list of prominent nationals to call on the Australian police for a criminal investigation into the theft of FFA's US$462,200 payment to Warner. Nick Xenophon, an Independent senator, has also asked for a police probe.

Following the dramatic arrests in Zurich on Wednesday, he told the Australian media that he has written to US Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting that the US Department of Justice investigate the FFA payment made to indicted former FIFA official Warner.

"That US$500,000 was meant for upgrading sporting facilities in Trinidad and Tobago, not for Mr Warner's personal use. Australia deserves that money back ASAP," he said.

Lynch, in detailing the US$150 million bribery and corruption scheme involving top football administrators worldwide, argued that: "Bribe money takes soccer fields and balls away from kids in developing countries who were meant to be the recipients of FIFA's marketing and TV revenue."

The Sunday Express was told that shortly after the FFA payment disguised as coming from the European money transfer service, Travelex, Warner received another US$1 million payment in the same Republic Bank account from an entity identified as OAS African Investments Ltd.

The payment was made through a BVI (British Virgin Islands) account with a PO Box address.

There was another substantial BVI deposit, this one from Park House Capital Ltd, Offshore Inc, also for US$1 million, according to the source.

Warner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has blasted US authorities for what he described as malicious prosecution.

The US indictment which was unsealed on Wednesday revealed the alleged corrupt role Warner played in connection with his positions in FIFA, CONCACAF and myriad other football associations, including the Caribbean Football Union, LOC Germany 2006 Ltd and the national football federation which we reported has more than a $100 million missing in World Cup income.

And as reported in a special investigative series published in this newspaper, Warner used parallel bank accounts in the names of key football bodies to conduct cash raids of football money he controlled in a multitude of bank accounts.

The eight-count indictment against him details allegations of bribery, wire fraud and money laundering over more than two decades.

Jack comes out ‘swinging’
By Renuka Singh (Guardian).

‘The time has come for me to stop being coy...I’ll tell all’

Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader Jack Warner is now a man with “nothing to lose” after spending a night at the Remand Yard prison in Port-of-Spain, on Wednesday.

Warner, in an interview with the Sunday Guardian, said his direct aim was at Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, even as his past association with football governing body, Fifa, could end up harming his own political career.

Warner has come out of his short prison stint swinging, telling the Sunday Guardian that his loyalty to Persad-Bissessar is over.

“I have nothing to lose anymore,” Warner said.

Warner has been the focus of widespread media reports since the US-based Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) arrested several high-ranking Fifa officials in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Fourteen Fifa officials in total were held on corruption charges and criminal proceedings have opened relating to the award of the World Cups in 2018 to Russia and 2022 to Qatar.

Warner said the Prime Minister made “deliberate” attempts to embarrass him since his overnight detention, including reading out the list of charges against him into the Hansard records in Parliament on Wednesday.

“That was deliberate and totally unnecessary. Not once has the Prime Minister shown any reciprocity of the respect I had accorded her and even when I went to Parliament on Friday to add my explanation to the Hansard, I saw a minister trying to tell the House Speaker to shut me up,” Warner said.

“The time has come for me to stop being coy,” Warner said.

Since parting ways with the Government back in 2013 Warner had often threatened to reveal details of the inner workings of the Government under Persad-Bissessar, but always stopped short of actually disclosing the more salacious details he claimed to have on the People’s Partnership.

When asked why those details were only now being ventilated, Warner said despite the almost two-year fall out with the People’s Partnership, he still felt a sense of “collective responsibility” to the party.

“The Prime Minister, even after I left the Government, I felt no ill-will towards her. I felt that she was surrounded by people who did not have her best interest and she was taking bad advice so she still had my loyalty and my sense of collective responsibility. Now this no longer exists,” he said.

Back in 2013, Warner’s name was at the centre of allegations of financial mismanagement while president of Concacaf and vice-president of Fifa. He had already resigned from all football posts in 2011 amid revelations of a cash-for-votes bribery scandal involving fellow Fifa official Qatari billionaire Mohamed bin Hammam and members of the Caribbean Football Union, which Warner headed.

But while Persad-Bissessar had seemingly turned a deaf ear on previous calls for Warner’s dimissal, she could not ignore the Concacaf Integrity Committee’s detailed report in which Sir David Simmons presented findings with regards to allegations of million-dollar financial mismanagement by Warner and former Concacaf general secretary Chuck Blazer.

The committee met in Panama and returned with the findings that both Warner and Blazer were “white-collar thieves”.

Warner believes now that it is his previous hesitation that “lulled” Persad-Bissessar into a false sense of complacency.

“But I am very prepared to tell all now. In fact I have already handed over several documents to my lawyers and other lawyers that I trust just in case anything happens to me,” he said.

Warner said the reports of threats on his life were real and he had taken those precautionary steps.

Like many of his supporters, Warner is questioning the timing of the international raid and of his own arrest.

“It comes at a time when both Fifa and this country is facing an election and I think it is quite clear that I have been targeted by this Government because all of a sudden they are rushing to comply with the US,” he said.

“They are dancing a jig for a gif, rushing to be complicit with the same US they have been fighting in other extradition matters,” Warner said.

Warner scoffed at Persad-Bissessar’s claim that he did not contribute financially to her campaign.

“I have asked my accountant to pull together the documents; the proof is there,” he said.

Warner said he speaks with his two sons, Daryan and Daryl, every night and despite facing their own legal issues over this same Fifa matter, “they are in good spirits, they are OK.”

PM over Jack's statements: Slanderous and untrue.
By Carolyn Kissoon (Express).

"Slanderous and untrue".

That was how Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday described statements made against her by Independent Liberal Party (ILP) political leader Jack Warner.

And the statements have been placed in the hands of her attorneys, she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the allegations made by Warner at a media conference and on a poiltical platform were defamatory and totally untrue.

She was speaking to reporters at the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) 170th Indian Arrival Day celebrations at Parvati Girls' Hindu College in Debe yesterday.

Persad-Bissessar said, "I did get a copy of what he actually said. I have placed his slanderous statements in the hands of my lawyers, there is absolutely no truth in the words I heard him speak on a press interview and from his platform."

Persad-Bissessar said she was not threatened by Warner's statements as her hands were clean and her heart pure.

"It is in the hands of my lawyers, the statements are totally untrue and go beyond being untrue but slanderous and defamatory. This matter is not about me. The predicament he has found himself in has nothing to do with me and therefore he should concentrate his defence with respect to the matters being brought against him."

She denied ever meeting with any contractor seeking finances for the party's 2010 election campaign.

And she was adamant that Warner did not fund her campaign.

Hear an excerpt from Jack Warner's cottage meeting

"I did not meet with the contractors as he said and ask them for money. I never received any money from Jack Warner. He has now gone on to make another allegation that he was present where I met contractors and said Miss (Stacy) Roopnarine was there and then he said it was after we opened the roads. So how could we be opening a road if we were in campaign for the 2010 election. We can only open a road after the election is completed," she said.

Asked if she was concerned by Warner's threats to release videos against her, Persad-Bissessar said he was simply ranting and raving.

"I am not worried at all. If you recall every single year and even before I became Prime Minsiter the gentleman has threatened. I don't see it as threats, I see them as ranting and raving. He has always threatened about having files. He then comes and says he has no files and now he says he has more files. I am not concerned about those," she said.

Persad-Bissessar also remarked on Warner's statement that the gloves were off, claiming that he will reveal information on her.

She said, "Some people say, but I am not of that view, they agreed that the gloves are off and he may be clearing the way for the handcuffs. I don't agree with that because a man is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He has all of the due process of law to go forward and prove his innocence."

Persad-Bissessar said when there were allegations about corruption among FIFA executives, including Warner, there was no evidence to fire him from the People's Partnership Government.

"But when there was evidence I acted. When the allegations turned into evidence with the David Simmons report I requested and received his resignation. I think I acted in good standing with respect to that matter," she said.

[asylumseeker]

Aussies want dey $$$ back? Steups. How about ... at the appropriate time ... slice $463k from the account and finally allocate it to the use for which it was allegedly intended?

[AB.Trini]

Lawd- hush nah  doh say no more - people want to see this man play "hang Jack"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0Br7MYiOs

[Socapro]

Lawd- hush nah  doh say no more - people want to see this man play "hang Jack"

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/8N0Br7MYiOs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/8N0Br7MYiOs</a>

I think Jack referred to that article (whether it is a satirical or not) to add to his points that the USA is desperate to host a FIFA World Cup and is not too happy that they did not win their bid to host it in 2022 which everyone knows is true.
The premise of Jack’s argument is not based on that article and Jack referring to that satirical article was simply meant to add to the points he already made.

I am not a defender of Jack Warner but he made some valid points in that video. His only error was referring to that particular satirical article to add to his points.

[Socapro]

Turning a blind eye
Monday, 01 June 2015 08:33 (TTOC.org)

Jack Warner ILP Leader

ON MAY 27th an early-dawn raid at a posh Swiss hotel brought nine bigwigs from FIFA, football’s international governing body, into custody for allegations of corruption. After years when the game’s leaders managed to avoid any consequences for their unsavoury mismanagement, fans around the world cheered the round-up as a first step towards cleaning up the sport. But the American indictment that put these seemingly untouchable fat cats in the dock had nothing to do with FIFA’s best-known dirty laundry, such as the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Instead, it focused entirely on wrongdoing by officials in the Americas, and in particular on CONCACAF, one of the relative weaklings among FIFA’s six constituent continental federations, which includes North and Central America and the Caribbean. The two biggest fish, Jeffrey Webb and Austin “Jack” Warner (pictured)—the current CONCACAF president and his predecessor—hail from two of the smallest countries in the world, the Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.

Given CONCACAF’s relatively modest stature, the American prosecutors’ focus on the federation is striking. They say that further investigations are still underway, and it would be no surprise if they subsequently reveal additional targets—though any FIFA officials with skeletons in their closets who escaped the first round of arrests will now presumably take extra care to review extradition agreements before they travel. If the dragnet does not wind up extending beyond this group, the simplest explanation would be that the Justice Department took the greatest interest in its local federation. (There is one American among the defendants, Charles “Chuck” Blazer, who has already pleaded guilty.) Another potential reason is that illicit money flows from the region Americans once condescendingly called their “backyard” are more likely to pass through the United States’ financial system—one of the grounds on which the Justice Department claimed jurisdiction—than are similar payments originating from Europe, Asia or Africa. The third theory is that the lords of Caribbean football simply happened to be sloppier in covering up their tracks than their counterparts abroad.

Football is a relative newcomer to the Caribbean sporting scene. Historically, its Anglophone islands have focused on cricket—the “Windies” team dominated much of the 1980s—while the Spanish-speaking countries, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, preferred baseball. But in recent years the world’s favourite game has made significant inroads. That owes largely to globalisation, as the colonial past of the British Commonwealth islands fades further into the rearview mirror. But CONCACAF itself has also played an important role.

The federation is an ungainly beast, consisting of two giants (the United States and Mexico) alongside Canada, a dozen smallish countries and 26 tiny Caribbean nations with populations of less than a million. Its smallest member, the British overseas territory of Montserrat, has just 5,000 people and a bad-tempered volcano. Just as in the UN General Assembly, each country gets one vote regardless of its size. As a result, the Caribbean bloc has banded together to out-vote its larger neighbours and secure a comfortably outsize share of the federation’s budget.

For over two decades, Mr Warner was both the architect and the operations manager of this redistributive scheme, to the benefit of both Caribbean footballing nations and, apparently, himself. By controlling so many votes in both CONCACAF and FIFA, he made himself a power broker with the ability to bestow or withhold the organisations’ funds largely as he saw fit. That in turn enabled him to prop up small-island officials when they faced grass-roots rebellions, ensuring their loyalty. Thanks to his ability to direct the largesse in his native Trinidad and Tobago and the prominent public role his perch offered, he also became involved in politics: he once chaired the United National Congress, the current ruling party, and served as minister of works and transport after being elected to Parliament in 2010 by a landslide.

Mr Warner hit his first speed bump in May 2011, following a Caribbean football meeting in Trinidad ahead of FIFA’s presidential election that was organised to support the challenger, Mohammed bin Hamman of Qatar. Envelopes each containing $40,000 in banknotes were distributed at the event; a Bahamian delegate photographed the money, and complained of the “insult” to the Caribbean. Mr Warner promptly resigned from his football-related posts, which forestalled a FIFA inquiry into his actions; 32 others either also resigned or were warned, reprimanded, fined or banned for varying periods. An investigation by the Trinidadian police went nowhere.

Mr Warner’s exit from football had little effect on his political fortunes at first. He was named Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of national security well after the envelopes scandal broke—though he later had to resign following a CONCACAF enquiry into the ownership of a sports complex, which found that using a “balance of probabilities” standard, he had committed fraud and misappropriated funds. Nonetheless, he quickly bounced back by resigning from Parliament, forming a new party, and winning his seat back in the subsequent by-election, this time with 69% of the vote.

It remains an open question whether even the American indictment can ensnare him. He did spend the night of May 27th in Port of Spain’s forbidding Frederick Street prison because his bail, though agreed to, was not yet paid. But he forcefully maintains his innocence, and can fight his extradition all the way to the Privy Council in London, which remains Trinidad and Tobago’s final court of appeal. Two local business figures, Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh, have successfully resisted extradition to America since 2005; they have spent a lot of money on lawyers, but remain free.

Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament will dissolve next month, with a general election expected in September. At the very least Mr Warner is likely to lose his seat. But he still has supporters who see him as the man who made the small islands a powerful force in world football, and who spruced up the neighbourhood sports ground. If the money to do that was bilked from foreigners, all the better. In this view, America’s indictments are simply a politically motivated plot, perhaps to confound Russia’s 2018 World Cup, or avenge the failed American bid to play host in 2022. The Caribbean public is well accustomed to patronage networks. Given the region’s demonstrated apathy towards corruption and incompetence in general, fans are highly unlikely to return their affections to cricket in protest against a bit of palm-greasing.

[Sando prince]

Jamaican media giving their 2 cents too. This article went viral on FB

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/What-was-Prime-Minister-Persad-Bissessar-thinking_19047615

But we can ask what was the political thinking of Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar when she forged a close political alliance with Mr Warner for the general election of 2010, after persistent public allegations about his conduct in the affairs of CONCACAF and FIFA, leading to his resignation from posts in both organisations.

Although he had not been formally charged or convicted of any crime, there was certainly enough smoke for any reasonable person to surmise that there may be some fire. In such a situation, why would a politically astute and seasoned politician take the risk of close association with Mr Warner?

What was Mrs Persad-Bissessar thinking when she allowed him to become chairman of the United National Congress (UNC) Alliance? Was it the fact that Mr Warner is an Afro-Trinidadian and could racially balance the Indo-Trinidadian UNC party?

Further, it begs the question what was the prime minister thinking when she appointed Mr Warner minister of works and transport in 2010? He continued in the post even after he had to resign from his top positions in FIFA and CONCACAF in 2011 under a barrage of accusations of fraud and misconduct.

[Sando prince]

Jack we want the whole truth

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150602/news/rowley-warner-must-tell-the-whole-truth

Rowley: Warner must tell the 'whole truth'
PNM leader wants answers on Section 34
By Joel Julien (Express).

EMBATTLED Member of Parliament Jack Warner must tell the "whole truth" about the Section 34 fiasco so the country can determine if there is any merit to his claims that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unduly influenced his extradition matter, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday.

Speaking at an Independent Liberal Party (ILP) cottage meeting in Chaguanas last Thursday night mere hours after being released from prison, Warner said, "Kamla having jailed me, as of tonight the gloves are off."

Rowley was asked for his take on these issues at a news conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader at Charles Street in Port of Spain yesterday.

"If there is any truth in that Mr Warner is in a position to tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and I draw your attention to how this said Government dealt with Section 34 and the other two financiers when Mr Warner was in the Cabinet, and it is my view that Mr Warner has information which can elucidate for us what happened with Section 34 in a Cabinet of which he was a part," Rowley said.

"And what I would say to Mr Warner on that subject is if he wants to tell us the story, tell us the whole story.

“Two other financiers got themselves virtually freed from judicial action because the Cabinet took actions in the Parliament, at the level of the Cabinet, at the Office of the President with an outcome in the court under the infamous Section 34 action of this Government to ensure that those financiers did not have their day in court as they should have had, and if he is handled differently now and he wants to complain about his treatment he must tell us the whole story so we can compare apples with the oranges that he talking about," he said.

Rowley likened the indictment against Warner as that of a family member being held for "something unpleasant" and therefore he feels "hurt and let down".

"It is very much like a family member being held for something unpleasant and while you may not as a member of that family have done it yourself and can be held accountable, there is a feeling of being hurt and let down because as a nation we are a family, and if we are so represented we can feel nothing but hurt. But as we say, there is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty so we need to temper our expressions and it is something we would have preferred not to have been attached to us," Rowley said.

Rambachan's comment shocking
 
Rowley yesterday dismissed calls by Works and Infrastructure Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan, the United National Congress' deputy political leader, for the People's National Movement (PNM) to explain its position with Warner and the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) in the light of the indictment facing Warner.

Rowley described Rambachan's comment as "shocking" since Warner was once Persad-Bissessar's "rock and confidant" and held several positions of power, both in the UNC and in the Cabinet.

Warner was always "stoutly defended" by Persad-Bissessar up to his resignation in April 2013, Rowley said.

"We will brook no defence of the PNM with respect to Mr Warner's personal problems. I take no pleasure in Mr Warner's suffering and his family's pain and I trust that he will be subject of free and fair judicial processes in Trinidad and Tobago and outside of Trinidad and Tobago and wherever it is now, let the law take its course," Rowley said.

Rowley said it is "disingenuous" for persons to try to create a "specific association" between the PNM and the ILP.

"I did see some persons making an issue of the fact that I shook Mr Warner's hand when he turned up in the march and extended his hand to me. I was too well brought up not to have manners and Mr Warner visiting Diego Martin West, he is a parliamentary colleague and if I shake his hand I don't know that should be a problem. I would be quite disappointing to my grandparents who raised me if I did otherwise," he said.

"If there is any truth in that Mr Warner is in a position to tell us the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and I draw your attention to how this said Government dealt with Section 34 and the other two financiers when Mr Warner was in the Cabinet, and it is my view that Mr Warner has information which can elucidate for us what happened with Section 34 in a Cabinet of which he was a part," Rowley said.

"And what I would say to Mr Warner on that subject is if he wants to tell us the story, tell us the whole story.

“Two other financiers got themselves virtually freed from judicial action because the Cabinet took actions in the Parliament, at the level of the Cabinet, at the Office of the President with an outcome in the court under the infamous Section 34 action of this Government to ensure that those financiers did not have their day in court as they should have had, and if he is handled differently now and he wants to complain about his treatment he must tell us the whole story so we can compare apples with the oranges that he talking about," he said.

[asylumseeker]

Letter to the editor: I'll say a prayer for Warner instead
(Trinidad Express)

Government's prompt action in initiating proceedings to extradite Jack Warner to the US to answer charges of money laundering, among other allegations, is exemplary and augurs well for diplomacy.

This country's image has taken a severe blow, regarding its problems in extraditing Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson to the US to face charges of bribery and corruption in the Piarco airport project. In light of Mr Warner's impending extradition, many have taken to social media to express this seeming contradiction.

I, like many, refuse to gloat over Mr Warner's predicament.

If our laws and tolerance levels regarding graft and corruption of public funds and resources were as stringent as the US, our jails would be perhaps crammed with public officials.

In spite of recent hostilities between Prime Minister Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Mr Warner, I admire her for her succinct and sympathetic comment, "It gives me no pleasure," for which, in my mind, she has scored high points.

Surely, the PM remembers the public affection and unwavering respect shown towards her by Mr Warner, and the many times he had implicitly defended her actions, even at his own peril. Some will even say he played a vital role in her journey to the office of Prime Minister. And, too, Mr Warner's exhaustive efforts in bringing the Partnership to office is no secret.

Mr Warner's unprecedented commitment to his constituents is well documented, and based on reports, countless persons have benefited from his charitable deeds. Conversely, there are those among us who choose to use their questionable wealth selfishly.

FIFA's wealth and allegations of money laundering is for FIFA and the US Department of Justice to sort out. Those who wish to revel in Mr Warner's dilemma are free to do so. I prefer to say a prayer for him.

RP Joseph
San Fernando

[asylumseeker]

Opinion editorial: Thanks for the memories, Jack
Marlon Miller (Trinidad Express)

AUSTIN Jack Warner has been disgraced, jailed and spoofed in just a few days. Where will it all end?

He has kept his faithful followers on his side despite his incarceration, but his sad story has descended to even more of a farce since The Onion got him.

That has led to tears all over the world, not ones of sympathy for Mr Warner but of uncontrolled laughter at his buffoonery.

Is there anyone out there who wants to take him off our hands, that is, if he is allowed to travel anywhere.

Doesn’t he have some Grenadian roots, like Dr Conrad Murray, the late Michael Jackson’s personal physician.

What about Qatar? They must have an air-conditioned suite for him. Or I’m sure his buddy Vladimir Putin would welcome him with open arms

Or maybe we can just enforce a media blackout on the ex-FIFA vice-president, but then we would miss priceless gems like his reaction to the Onion spoof, amazed at how a well-travelled fellow such as he could be taken in so easily.

He who kept company with kings and prime ministers, sheiks and presidents, billionaires and bandits, jetting from one exotic location to the next.

Now he is moving by car or ambulance from the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court to the jail on Frederick Street to an Independent Liberal Party meeting in Chaguanas, where they still treat him like a hero.

After all, he was the former minister of national security and he even acted as prime minister on a few occasions, so he has long been put on a pedestal in Trinidad and Tobago.

Soon, if it hasn’t happened already, if you Google T&T, the country’s bio will appear alongside a mug shot of Jack Warner.

But we look for it, eh?

First voting for him and later putting him in charge of national security, all while the FBI was on his case.

Marina Hyde, a columnist with the UK Guardian, wrote that a bank in the Cayman Islands “actually refused to process a payment from Mohamed bin Hammam’s firm to Warner or his sons on the basis that it looked too dodgy”.

That deal was then transferred to a bank in New York, which is when the Feds got interested.

Yet despite all those who warned Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar that she was making a mistake to appoint Mr Warner as a minister, the Prime Minister went ahead, embarrassing us all through what has since come to pass.

And now he is threatening to take off the gloves in his battle with the PM, who is being blamed for the timing of his indictment, with everything leading up to the 2015 general election.

But four years ago when Warner left FIFA in disgrace, he threatened then to unleash a tsunami against football’s governing body, but he is now the one being swept into the courthouse, with the US agents waiting to take him away.

That process could drag on for a long time, with Mr Warner likely to appeal all the way to the Privy Council, which will cost him a pretty penny.

But no amount of money can take away the shame he has caused us through the years, although he would be quick to remind you of the good he has done for the country, none more so than taking us to the 2006 World Cup.

Then he came back with the Soca Warriors baying for his blood, suing him to keep a monetary promise he made in the heady moments after Trinidad and Tobago’s draw with Sweden in our debut at the Copa Mundial.

He couldn’t keep his own players happy, which should have sounded warning bells for anyone thinking of putting him in a position of authority in the government of the day.

Instead, he will forever be described as “the former minister” anytime his name appears on the front pages of newspapers around the globe, reminding us that we not only lauded him all these years but promoted him to high office.

Before, if you told a foreigner you were from Trinidad and Tobago, they would associate you with Brian Lara or Hasely Crawford, Dwight Yorke or George Bovell III, Penny Commissiong or Wendy Fitzwilliam. Only sports fans might be aware of them, though, or those who watch beauty shows, but in Jack Warner’s case, everyone has gotten to know him and T&T.

One of the main suspects in the biggest scandal in world sport.

And he’s born and bred right here in T&T…and they won’t ever let us forget it

[AB.Trini]

In a not so shocking move- it would now appear that reflecting on Mr. Warner's  video   with the satirical paper reference, or it could have been the one where he was interviewed by a foreign journalist, he made a comment to the effect that how could the head of FIFA be ignorant of all those under  his watch  who were  allegedly corrupt and yet he Remained untarnished?

Using that logic, it almost makes you wonder about  the number of ex ministers in our present government who were dismissed yet the leader  is crystal clean of any misdeeds or errors in judgement?

[Flex]

ILP leader paid $1.7m to Ross Advertising one month before 2010 elections.
By Asha Javeed (Express).

JACK CHEQUES IN

One month before the May 2010 general election, a company owned by former FIFA vice-president and Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner paid Ross Advertising five cheques totalling $1,719, 215.75.

Ross is the advertising agency which handled the People's Partnership's 2010 election campaign.

On April 14, 2010, Jamad Ltd, whose address is 113 Edward Street, Port of Spain, wrote a cheque to Ross Advertising for $1 million.

On April 21, 2010, four other cheques of varying sums—$195,220.55, $155,250, $97,750 and $270,995.20 were also made out to Ross Advertising.

The cheques, which show Jamad's home bank as Republic Bank, Tragarete Road, were all deposited on April 21 at Republic's Long Circular Mall branch.

The cheques surfaced without explanation on social media yesterday, after they were allegedly leaked by Warner, with the promise of “more to come”. They also appear in the Sunshine newspaper.

What the cheques don't state is what service Ross Advertising, owned by Ernie Ross, rendered for the People's Partnership as no invoices were attached.

Given Ross's relationship in handling the Partnership's election campaign, do the cheques represent money which Warner pumped into the campaign?

Last Thursday, after he was released from prison, Warner stated at a political meeting that he intends to go after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and reveal all through a tape which he will give to four lawyers.

“Everything I have against Kamla I will bring it out. I have kept it back too long and I will bring it out,” Warner had said.

PM responds

The question was again put to the Prime Minister yesterday.

Last week, Persad-Bissessar said she never received any money from Warner to fund either her own or the United National Congress (UNC) election campaigns.

In a brief telephone call yesterday, she insisted: “I, Kamla, received no money from Jack Warner. That is the God's truth. I cannot speak to any contractual arrangement the gentleman would have had with Ross Advertising or any other advertising agency.”

She did point out that as a candidate for Chaguanas West in the 2010 election, Warner funded his own campaign.

For his part, Ross would only say: “There is no comment. It's a non-story. I have no other comment.”

Copies to Lynch

Leader of Government Business Roodal Moonilal said he intends to forward copies of the cheques in circulation to US Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Last week Lynch announced that Warner was included in a 47-count indictment that was unsealed at the federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants with “racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offences, in connection with the defendants' participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.”

“I have taken note of cheques circulating reporting to be a cheque by Mr Warner. His name is not on it so I assume that it's a company that he is affiliated to and made out to Ross Advertising and I just want to be clear that Mr Ross Advertising is free to conduct business with Mr Warner of with the many companies that Mr Warner is involved in,” said Moonilal.

“I am making a copy of that cheque and sending it personally to the US Attorney General Loretta Lynch. I am sure she'll not only be interested in where the cheque went to but where the source of funds came from and I am asking Mr Warner to make more evidence available to Loretta Lynch who has a big interest in those matters,” he said.

“Mr Warner's problem is not Kamla, its Loretta. I think the sooner he wakes up to that reality the better for him,” he said.

“The statement made by the Prime Minister stands unimpeachable. The Prime Minister herself has not received any money from Mr Warner, or the UNC. Ross Advertising works for several businesses and business persons. He is free as part of his commercial relationship to work with any client at any time,” he said.

Warner mum

Meanwhile, Warner is keeping the reasons for releasing the cheques close to his chest.

At least until tonight at 7:30 when his party hosts a political meeting.

In a text message response to the Express, Warner said yesterday: “No comment at this time. 7.30 p.m. tomorrow.”