http://www.tntfinder.com/news/breaking-news-jack-warner-has-resigned-read-pms-official-news-statement-listing-1041.aspx#.UXSEBaGfza9.facebookBREAKING NEWS: Jack Warner has resigned| Read PM's official news statement
The Prime Minister made the announcement from her private residence before 8:00pm tonight.
TNTFinder News Editor
Published Sunday, April 21, 2013
Updated Sunday, April 21, 2013
Caption: File photo of National Security Minister Jack Warner. Photo courtesy Getty Images
Jack Warner has tendered his resignation as Minister of National Security.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar made the announcement shortly before 8:00pm tonight following an emergency Cabinet meeting chaired at her private residence in San Fernando. In a brief statement to reporters outside her home the Prime Minister said President Anthony Carmona will be notified of the decision.
Below is an official statement issued by the Prime Minister minutes after:
PM's statement
PM KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR
"I have today accepted the resignation of the Minister of National Security Mr Jack Warner from the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish to thank Mr Warner for his service to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. I have advised His Excellency President Anthony Carmona to revoke the appointment of Mr Warner and to appoint Senator Emmanuel George as the new National Security Minister. I also advised His Excellency Anthony Carmona to assign the Works and Infrastructure portfolio to Suruj Rambachan in addition to his existing portfolio."
Warner silent
And earlier today Warner left today's emergency Cabinet meeting around 5:45pm today.
The usually out-spoken Government Minister refused to speak with the reporters waiting outside the Prime Minister's residence to learn more about the meeting which started around 1:00pm.
It was also noted by reporters waiting outside today that Warner arrived some 45 minutes after the emergency Cabinet meeting began. The reporters also observed the National Security Minister walking in and out the residence on at least 3 occasions. He also reportedly sat outside the on a chair while speaking with another member of Cabinet.
PM "troubled"
Warner's resignation comes on the heels of the Prime Minister's admission that she was 'troubled' by the recent CONCACAF report that paints a negative image of her National Security Minister.
Late last night, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar arrived at the Piarco International Airport to face a barrage of questions from an anxiously awaiting media.
National reporters finally got the opportunity to pose questions to the Prime Minister on the revelations of the CONCACAF Integrity Committee report revealed by Sir David Simmons on Friday in Panama.
The Prime Minister admitted “The allegations are troubling one for all of us” and she will have further discussions with her National Security Minister Jack Warner on it.
When asked, what, if any action will be taken, Persad Bissessar insisted she will have to speak with Warner.
‘Not T&T business’
Warner, meanwhile, also spoke with the media and insisted the report had nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago and was “football business”.
He said “This is not a Trinidad and Tobago problem. What this have to do with the Prime Minister? Why you getting her involved in that? You guys taking the FIFA [inaudible] and making it your business”.
‘PM: Lacks will to act’
And former Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who was granted 42 days more sick leave from the Parliament, broke his silence and commented on the controversial CONCACAF findings today.
Manning today posted on his faceboook page: “I do not expect Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar to take any appropriate action on this most embarrassing situation”.
The San Fernando East MP said why he believe the PM will not act. He said: She simply lacks the will to do so”.
The Prime Minister only has 1 work day left [Monday] to attend to the country’s affairs, since she leaves the country on Tuesday.
PM leaves Tuesday
Persad-Bissessar leaves April 23, for Ottawa, Canada for a state visit.
In Canada talks between Persad-Bissessar and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper are expected to centre on the further development of a Bilateral Security and Defence Co-operation between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada, when they meet on April 25.
