Prakash Ramadhar Signed: JACK MUST BE REMOVED

Prakash Ramadhar, Leader of the COP

The following is the statement of the Congress of the People, signed by its political leader Prakash Ramadhar -

The Time has come for the Minister of National Security, Jack Warner to exit this Government or be removed.

The Congress of the People takes note of the final report of the Integrity Committee of CONCACAF which was made public yesterday, Friday 19th April 2013 after a year long investigation into allegations against its former President Jack Warner and former General Secretary Chuck Blazer.

It is important to note that the Chairman of the CONCACAF Integrity Committee Sir David Simmons is a person of high international repute and judicial experience, whose credentials were accepted by this Government to head the Commission of Enquiry into the 1990 Coup. In order to maintain credibility and trust in Government and country, we have always maintained that persons in high public office facing serious allegations ought to step aside until the conclusion of such investigations.

When prior serious allegations were made by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), Mr. Warner had every opportunity to clear his name. He chose to avoid that process by resigning and indicating he would disclose a ‘Tsunami of truth’. Mr. Warner had ample time to do so as the country expected no less. He chose not to.

The COP places country first and is of the strong view that Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation must not be endangered. To that end, we call upon Mr. Warner to stand down as a Minister of this Government for the sake of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Congress of the People reiterates that the time has come for the Minister of National Security, Jack Warner to exit this Government or be removed.

- Richard Charan (Multimedia Editor)

Source: Trinidadexpress

COP Talk Out or Face the Realities of TOP

Prakash Ramadhar, Leader of the
Congress of the People

The Congress Of the People seems to be grossly contented with towing the line within this partnership.  Seldom do we hear Prakash Ramadhar, leader of the COP, independently being critical of the Government  of which he is part of. This is no strange behavior, as a matter of fact it is a behavior which has been consistent across the board with all parties involved in the Partnership except for that of the UNC.

A subservient, uncritical, subordinate disposition to the UNC has become the defining characteristics of all Parties withing the  Coalition.  So dominating is the UNC, that no one usually sees or hear the others, with Jack Warner, Anand Ramlogan and the Prime Minister stealing the lot of airtime and media coverage. The UNC's dominating behavior was seen and felt in the recently concluded THA's election, all to the detriment of Ashworth Jack's TOP. So devastating was his demise, he has now found himself in a political abyss so deep no political pirate can find him. 

It seems that aside from the leader of the MSJ, David Abdulah, the only voice who is willing to challenge this UNC's domination is that of Carolyn Seepersad-Bachancan. In recent times Seepersad-Bachancan has proven to be the only one concerned with maintaining her party's independence and identity, although being in an collective political group. 

This is of utmost importance, as the realities are showing this nation that a coalition party may not be the best option in 2015. It is therefore imperative that Ramadhar remember that although it is necessary as a cabinet member to maintain collective responsibility, as the leader of the COP he also has a duty (by those who would have voted for them) to represent and speak out against malpractices, corruption and other various atrocities. It is therefore conclusive that Ramadhar quickly develop testicular fortitude in an effort to chart his own political path, rather than stubbornly following a blind, wayward UNC lead Partnership (which is, but almost a corpse) into a grave by suffering a sure political death.

Ramadhar, Talk Out or Face the realities of the TOP. 

Suspend Police Officer for Slapping Man

THE Professional Standards Unit of the Police Service has recommended the suspension of the police constable seen on video slapping and arresting a man, who later appeared in court charged with assaulting the police officer.

The constable has taken 28 days sick leave, but the Professional Standards Unit, headed by Senior Supt Solomon Koon Koon, on Wednesday sent correspondence to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams making the recommendation.

Williams had earlier that day described the conduct of the police officer as reprehensible, unacceptable and unprofessional, but said the officer would remain on active duty until the completion of the "high priority" investigation.

The Express was unable to determine if Williams acted on the recommendation yesterday.

The constable is also under investigation by the Police Complaints Authority as a result of the video uploaded to social networking sites last weekend and which showed civilian Terrence Augustine, 40, being slapped and taken away in a police car during an incident at St Margaret's Junction, Claxton Bay, on Independence Day last Friday.

Augustine was charged with resisting arrest, assaulting PC Richard Kishore and using insulting language.

He appeared in court on Monday and was granted $20,000 bail.

Augustine, a building contractor, told the Express on Wednesday he did nothing to provoke the attack and the slap had left him with blurred vision and unable to work.

His attorney, Cedric Neptune, told the Express yesterday he was preparing to serve a pre-action protocol letter on the State, alleging that Augustine was wrongfully arrested, maliciously prosecuted, and that he be compensated for the assault and battery and breach of his constitutional rights.

Augustine also plans to file a criminal counter charge against the officer for assault. Told of the recommendation of the Professional Standards Unit, Neptune said: "This was an unprovoked and unacceptable attack on this man, and we are surprised that the officer has not been suspended already.

article reproduced verbatim from Express Trinidad