Jack: I have never been questioned
Originally printed at
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Jack-I-have-never-been-questioned-202230221.htmlBy Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
April 9, 2013
National Security Minister Jack Warner has said he has never been questioned by any authorities in connection with any investigation into his affairs.
Reuters recently reported that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating alleged corruption in FIFA in which Warner’s son Daryan was a “cooperating witness”.
In the face of this report, Warner, for the first time, has said he has never been questioned by any authorities.
Speaking at the United National Congress’ (UNC) Monday night forum at the Barataria Regional Complex, Warner also said while there have been numerous calls for him to resign, he had the support of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the People’s Partnership Government.
The Prime Minister, through Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran, has made official requests to the United States government for information pertaining to this alleged probe into Warner.
Said Warner, “They say I must resign because a newspaper said Jack Warner is under investigation. Nobody ever call me, nobody ever investigate me, nobody ever ask me a question.”
As he spoke, members of the audience shouted, “Jack must stay!” and “Jack not going no way!”
Warner told his supporters he was the most targeted Minister in political history.
“No politician in this country has been vilified, abused as I have been and yet I stand tall knowing full well I have the backing, support and confidence of the Prime Minister and the Government,” said Warner.
He said since entering ministerial office, he can be found guilty of no crime.
“Jack Warner left FIFA two years ago and up to now they don’t want FIFA to leave me so everyday is FIFA. FIFA could take care of itself, not one of them could point a finger at me when I was minister of works and transport, not one. Then I was minister of works and infrastructure, not one of them can point a finger at me...they can’t say one single criminal act I did, they can’t say one failure I had as a minister and now I gone with the same energy at crime—National Security,” said Warner.
Warner said his family was under scrutiny but in the past when other ministers’ family members were under question, there were no resignation calls.
“It had an AG whose brother was convicted and charged for murder...did he resign? It had a fella who act as Prime Minister for several times, his wife was charged for shoplifting, they asked him to resign? Tell them fellas to leave me alone!” said Warner.
The Prime Minister said Warner used her wisdom to appoint him to look after this country’s national security because she knew he would deliver—and that was why police stations and fire stations were being constructed nationwide and vessels were being purchased to man the seas.
Warner said his successful actions as National Security Minister were upsetting many—including those who have a problem with the number of drug busts and police exercises taking place.
He said last week there was a “sea block” exercise where every vessel coming into the country was searched while helicopters monitored.
He said the friends of his detractors were now complaining.
Warner said the People’s Partnership Government is 35 months old and during that period there were 36 calls for his resignation- from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Senator Fitzgerald Hinds.
He added that there were also calls from Fixin T&T, “who ain’t fixin nothing”.