This was a nice read and I understand how he feels, but I think there is a fatal flaw in his logic. See if you can spot it:

In the face of greater uncertainty concerning the integrity of our National Security Minister, Mr Jack Warner, our Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, continues to express her confidence in him. I am saddened but not surprised by this.

I did not expect the PM to take the necessary action in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago, which is to remove Warner, and we all know the reason for this. Jack Warner must be pressured from within the Government to resign, but perhaps the Government has entangled itself in the weave of a political web that binds them to silence when it comes to Warner.

This is obvious since the disclosure of the latest incriminating and horrific evidence of Warner’s shady dealings has been met with deafening silence by his Cabinet colleagues. According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers audit, Jack Warner received US$250,000 from Bin Hammam. A few days prior to that, he was claiming vindication and was supported by some of his incoherent Cabinet colleagues.

I have never seen one man, or I should say one Government, insult the intelligence of a population like this. The evidence revealed may have been insufficient to warrant charges, but it is sufficient to deem Jack Warner unfit for public office on the basis that he indulged in improper and unethical behavior.

It is therefore my humble view that any sensible crime plan should begin with the removal of an alleged criminal as our Minister of National Security.

Jack Warner continues to defy all calls for his removal as expected by a man who possesses such power and influence in the Government. Recently, he was very eager to speak to the press about his “vindication” but chose to remain silent when faced with questions concerning the secret bank account.

He had the audacity to rant about Keith Rowley never becoming PM and having a “surprise” for Fitzgerald Hinds, rather than address the concerns about his shady dealings. In fact, he blatantly refused to address the matter on the basis that it is nobody’s business. It appears that some politicians have long concluded that the citizens of T&T are fools.

Jack Warner is a public official, and whatever he does, did or will do will always be subject to public scrutiny, therefore, if his life cannot withstand public scrutiny, he should pursue a private career.

I strongly believe that most of T&T is very interested in the “secret” US dollar account allegedly held by Mr Warner. Information such as the declaration of this account to the Integrity Commission and the purpose of this account, among other facts, should be public knowledge.

Jack Warner has demonstrated who he is and that we all must believe him. He has long established himself as a rogue element in FIFA and has already earned a similar reputation in Government. Unfortunately, he possesses unprecedented power within our Government and, by extension, our country.

He has garnered the blind support of most, if not all, of his Cabinet colleagues and, more importantly, the unfounded loyalty and favour of the PM. However, I would like to think that in a Cabinet of 33-plus, there is one good man who will stand for integrity.

I would like to think there is at least one person within the ranks of Government who will put country first.

I will like to think there is at least one man within the Government who will guard the gate.

I will like to believe that this Government is not as bad as it seems and, therefore, will do the honourable thing and remove Jack Warner—a man described as being “prone to an economy with the truth”—as Minister of National Security.

Ancil Dennis

via e-mail