Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley will not allow himself to be sidetracked by matters of integrity as he continues his campaign to be elected as Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister.
(Courtesy Jyoti Communication)
Well, that’s a load off the minds of people who are afraid of a radical change in governance.
At a PNM public meeting at Embacadere, San Fernando on Sunday, Rowley, according to the Trinidad Guardian, responded to an Integrity Commission request for information relating to his 2004 Declaration of Income Assets and Liabilities in the manner that people react to Jehovah Witnesses when they are getting ready for work.
“Between now and September 7, I am busy with the people’s business,” said Rowley. “I am busy putting this Government out of office and if that question could have waited for 11 years, it could wait for 11 weeks.”
The Witnesses probably mutter under their breath: Well, if you are too busy to save your soul today…
Presumably, ILP leader Jack Warner heard Rowley’s speech and sent the PNM boss a text message straight away: “Damn right Keithos! And can you believe the FBI wants to talk to me about stuff I did back in 1991?! Lolz!”
Of course, the Integrity Commission did allow itself to be dragged into disrepute during its “emailgate” investigations, when it seemed more beholden to Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s attorney, Israel Khan SC, than to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
(Courtesy Caricom.com)
And, yes, there is about as much integrity in the current IC as there is pompek in the average hot dog.
And, admittedly, Rowley has been quizzed about Landate more than Bunji Garlin has been asked about Machel Montano.
But most people do not get to choose which arms of the State they obey or set timetables for authorities. Rowley suggested he would be more open to talks with investigators after he is prime minister.
What could go wrong?
Rowley, helpfully, pointed out some matters that the IC could investigate like the $400 million Beetham Waste Water Treatment scandal.
Hands up if you ever tried that line on a policeman who stopped you on the PBR and he responded with: “You’re absolutely right. I will get straight on that…”
Just two weeks before the general election, the threat of a prison term somewhere down the road did not scare Rowley either. Presumably, he expects to be the sitting prime minister by then.
“Let me tell Mr Zainool Hosein something this evening, it was Sir Alexander Bustamante who said if a politician hasn’t been to jail he hasn’t been all over the country,” said Rowley, “and if I have to go to jail as a result of not responding to you in 14 days, come I am ready to go.”
Sir Bustamante must be a politician after Warner’s own heart then. His quote is probably on Anil Roberts’ refrigerator as well. And on Anand Ramlogan’s bed head. And written on Glenn Ramadharsingh’s palm.
(Copyright Diego Urdaneta/AFP 2015)
All over Trinidad and Tobago, it seems politicians are ready to make a jail. But never for the benefit of the people or the country.
Mr Live Wire cannot confirm that Persad-BIssessar steupsed and muttered to herself when she heard Rowley’s flippant dismissal of a legal body empowered by the constitution.
“Who thiefin’ whose manifesto now?!”
On a faraway, remote island in a time long, long before yesterday, a great Party that always prevails—it is on Read more
(Scene: A dapper gentleman examines a humble lodging with notable admiration.) FAR: I love the more intimate office space, boss. Read more
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and with Trinidad and Tobago recording an average of 23 deaths a day, Read more
Faris (pronounced far-risk) Verb: (1) to half-arse a task for the superficial benefit of being seen to do it. ‘When Read more
Trinidad and Tobago’s Covid-19 vaccination drive will lose two days of implementation this week due to a rescheduling forced upon Read more
The UNC’s star at the 2020 General Election turned out to be Michelle Benjamin, a fresh-faced councillor from Moruga/Tableland who Read more
Mr. Live Wire is an avid news reader who translates media reports for persons who can handle the truth. And satire. Unlike Jack Nicholson, he rarely yells.
It is my respectful view that something is amiss with the timing of thr IC correspondence to Dr. Rowely and to further complicate matters the question is from 2004. Quite a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. If ever there was a case of bias this one may fit squarely within the parameters.
I did not realise the current round of IC questions were on the Landdate allegations – I am a bit behind in my news…
That said, two further points of context must be made –
Firstly, I agree that as an aspirant for the highest office in our Republic’s Executive, Dr Rowley should respond in a timely and complete fashion to the lawful requests of our public institutions. The fact that he has never refused to appear at any Commission of Enquiry or investigation or ever tried to ‘play bright’ is one of the really distinctive things about his public record and it separates him from all others. Including some in the very PNM, it must also be noted. Just recall all those many Anand Rampogan/RLM litigations in which the State’s case collapsed once the Court made it clear that PM Manning had to testify. Feelings are running high at this time, but for Rowley to take this position now places that solid track-record in real jeopardy. One can only hope that a cynical algebra is not at work here – one in which the kind of rationale I set out here is weighed against the possible mass-appeal of defiance of a public institution which is now itself highly-questionable. I really hope that is not the case.
Secondly, we need to resist the ‘9-day memory’ thing…The Integrity Commission was seriously prejudiced since its then Chairman, Gordon Deane, wrote then PM Manning on 19th October 2004 to request instructions on how to investigate the allegations made by then MP Ganga Singh against Dr Rowley. Those allegations were also on the Landdate project and the acccuser, Ganga Singh, never made himself available to either the Integrity Commission or the Commission of Enquiry…The IC was never able to explain why it wrote that letter to the PM and that was a substantial part of the 2009 collapse, triggered by Rowley successful litigation against the IC. They all resigned in disgrace.
Thanks
Afra
Well said. “The IC was never able to explain why it wrote that letter to the PM and that was a substantial part of the 2009 collapse, triggered by Rowley successful litigation against the IC. They all resigned in disgrace.” With a record like that, obviously there is serious doubt as to the integrity of this IC in resurrecting this particular case….does anyone dispute that?
There really should be a statute of limitations when someone has already been cleared….it’s 11 years later. If this is not a ridiculous farce they are doing this now, Idk what is…
Probably Rowley could have crafted a more politically correct response…does this mean he is flouting or planning to disregard the law? Just like certain recent allegations that were made public in an attempt to tarnish the name of the Opposition Leader, this request by the IC at this time smells suspiciously like excrement…can anyone deny this?
If we can also agree about the questionable integrity of the IC….what exactly are we supposed to take away from this? Presumably Rowley is still innocent until he commits a crime….despite the words he is quoted as uttering that make it sound as if he has plans to do just that…shall we convict him now?
Yes Beach, I remember. That version of the commission was headed by Mr. Gordon Deane. After that debacle Patos wanted to put the same Mr. Deane to head the COE into Calder Hart/Public Procurement and Dr. Rowley would have none of it…..
Please pay attention to the last two pages of the judgement.
http://webopac.ttlawcourts.org/LibraryJud/Judgments/HC/rlee/2009/CV_07_00185DD03Feb09.pdf
Sorry. The IC have lost ALL moral AND other authority! They are absolute pawns now and the public sees it for what it is! The same goes for “Powers!” Any action taken at this time will clearly be seen as simple, pure and absolute abuse. They have Spalk, Ganga woman, and a multitude of other current festering issues to deal with but they bring THIS?! NOW?! I say challenge them openly, if they attempt to move against you, file a motion in Court and allow for the time to take its course! Simple!
Truth be told, in Sunday’s Express, Dr. Rowley did say that he put the matter “in the hands of his attorneys” – ergo, despite any platform statements to the contrary, Zainool may well get his answer this week.
And yes Patricia, an entire IC collapsed over this issue when it was discovered that they took instructions from the former PM – completely disregarding the separation of powers.
*gets bag of popcorn*
funny article
He damn right!! The only thing the UNC could use to try and taint Dr. Rowley with before the election is Landate. I was waiting patiently to see how it would be used. Now I have my answer.
If I’m not mistaken didn’t a previous IC collapse over this same issue??
Didn’t we have a COE on the matter? And if I’m not mistaken there was a court matter involved the outcome of which is why the previous incarnation of the IC had to resign? (I stand to be corrected on that last point).
If Zainool Hosein wants answers I’m sure they could be found in the documentation from the COE or the High Court ruling.
Steups!!! Its a witch hunt. Zainool name man and he have IC authority?? Good let me see how much of a man he is and how much authority he has…lock up Dr. Rowley. Go right ahead Zainool…damn nonsense!!!
Seems to me that we are not very clear on the issue. It is, it seems to me, not so much that the IC has called on him after 11years to answer more questions or that it has done so even after a previous IC has cleared him. It is that they have done so AT THIS TIME AND DEMANDED a response WITHIN 14 DAYS. What? They living in Georgia or in the Ukraine or in Mars? They don’t know an election is scheduled for September 7? Is there precedent for requesting (if that is the right word) an answer in 14 days?
It has to be pointed out too that Rowley’s response need not have been so defiant, so truculent; he might have said simply something that means “I doubt very much whether I shall be able to meet your deadline given the fact that I am busy with the election.” Is that not the excuse/reason offered by Kamla for staying away from the Great Debate? Who believed it? Who challenged it publicly?
” I think when the authorities say they have questions for you to answer, then you answer them.”
“On principle though, I can’t support anyone telling investigators that they will respond to them when they are good and ready.”
I note these two, and several others, in the same vein. I have to point out, that most of your blogs are really on the ball, but this one is misleading. You might have missed the part where Rowley said he passed the IC’s letter to his lawyers for response. That in no way means he doesn’t want to, or refuse to respond to the IC’s request. It means he chose to answerr through his lawyers, which is his right in both law and natural justice.
I’m neither for the UNC or the PNM… I was extremely critical of Manning, same as I am extremely critical of Kamla. I am on the side of justice, anti-corruption and good governance. But I have to say that after being cleared twice by the same IC (different members do not a different IC make), and once by the court (a proper forum), then make no mistake, this IC is definitely up to mischief.
Zainool Hosein lost my respect when he refused to be anything less than vice-chairman in the first instance. That matter was not so much, in my opinion, about the promise of the vice-chairmanship, but more about a man who saw a position as being more important than a sense of duty. For me, I saw a man whose personal integrity was already compromised, and time has borne that out well.
Getting back to Rowley though, it’s up to the IC to reveal any new information that came to their attention. If there is none, or they refuse to divulge same, I think Rowley will be well within his rights to refuse to answer them. It’s not about setting a ‘precedent’ as you put it. The precedent set was that he was already cleared, numerous times. He is now well within his rights to bring action against the IC for malicious persecution. However, note that he has not done this. He has opted to obey the IC by letting his lawyers take action. He is not bound by any law to accept the IC or any other attempt to frustrate him on a settled issue.
AMEN!!!!!!!!
I agree that the IC has lost moral authority. But it still has legal authority. And that is not to be trifled with lightly.
I won’t compare him to Nelson Mandela or other freedom fighters yet either Vernal. Lol.
If he were challenging the right for his constituents to be represented in Parliament or something like that I might have a slightly softer view.
Warner was not tried and found not guilty. Apples and oranges.
Perhaps. But Jack Warner uses the same excuse to defy the U.S. Department of Justice.
What is the downside of him playing along with the IC? What is the worst case scenario then?
Surely that will be more work for his lawyers than for him personally.
I would be happy if he made that sacrifice for the nation. It looks better when he talks about upholding respect for the various offices.
Jack Warner isn’t doing anything to “defy” the DOJ. Jack Warner is exercising his rights as a citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to take the extradition request before the courts of his native country. Regardless what you think of the man he is going about things in a legal manner. Same applies to Rowley, which is what you fail (unsurprisingly) to appreciate. If the law allows a certain time to respond then Rowley is well within his legal and constitutional rights to make sure that he uses that window wisely to prepare yet another response. Framing this as Rowley not having time for “integrity” unnecessarily takes a swipe at his character, all in the name of “satire” and article hits. Mission accomplished, you should feel proud.
Everything, and almost at every level at this juncture in Trinidad & Tobago, is showing to lack integrity or, on the hopeful side, not to be possessing functional integrity-flowing arteries. Certainly we have shifted from being a country that once upheld virtues that exuded concepts and practices like honesty, truth, trust, and integrity, all in some way or another, connoting the same meaning. But, today, as a Nation, we have been downgraded by the Transparency International, and maybe there is still hope but I see that we are no longer an easy flowing with integrity Nation as with blood in arteries, but have been more tightly constricted to veins and in several arenas, capillaries – integrity is today viscous and restricted in its flow. And therefore, the HEART of the Nation is weak and weakening further and time is of essence. We are in “stroke” range. We have to take hold of our future, for, as we, the adults and leaders, by virtue of our age and authoritative positioning, tend to be more the owners of it, but, our children will belong to our decisions longer than we will. “Bribes and backroom deals don’t just steal resources from the most vulnerable – they undermine justice and economic development, and destroy public trust in government and leaders.” T&T with a score of 38 and ranked 85/175 nations as at 2014, tell a story – we are even behind Brasil, ranked 69/175 and just ahead of Columbia, 94/175. A poor score on the Transparency International list, “is likely a sign of widespread bribery, lack of punishment for corruption and public institutions that don’t respond to citizens’ needs.” Every person making a decision shall hold themselves accountable to the truth behind their choices. Heaven help us when our decision-makers make choices that bear untruth yet, they find their pillows at night, soft!
Lasana how else is one to respond to institutionalized injustice if not by challenging the state to go through with it’s persecution under the full gaze of the national public?
Lasana, Trinidad and Tobago has a President? The integrity Commission is beyond a shadow of a doubt a compromised commission, or at least the members constituting the board are. That’s not my personal opinion, the action taken by 2 integral members more than one third of the board, following the inexplicable decision by the chairman to declare the PM exonerated after their investigations suggested otherwise, supports my statement. The history of the ‘work’ of the present board has been well documented, why would any sane person give the I.C. any serious consideration especially Dr K. R. At this crucial time?
Vernal Damion Cadogan talking like he get kick out the bedroom.
I does keep mih own hours! Hahaha
I now watch the time. All yuh doh sleep?
Lasana Liburd…we not in disagreement with challenging Rowley. I just wanted to point out the context of his response.
And Vernal Damion Cadogan, valid point about civil disobedience.
Vernal you make a good point eh. But in my job I have got to believe that every man and woman is equal before the law and not above scrutiny regardless of party.
Unless clear evidence suggests that the IC violated its mandate in this case, then I have to be careful.
If I started making excuses for any particular party or political figure as a journalist, I might as well retire like Honeypot.
Hahahaha Rhoda Bharath! Unfortunately, the IC still has the power to do exactly what it is doing…
If every single institution of state has been transformed into branches of the ruling party, what is there left for the just to do, how does one resist if not by challenging their credibility snd authority via civil disobedience?
Then they will force the country to overthrow them, and restore Democracy. All the big countries have done just that when faced with similar situations.
Chabeth Haynes…IC in its current iteration and legal authority has got to be an oxymoron.
Haha Vernon u so right
I think that considering what the Integrity Commission has become it was only a matter of time before someone called it’s bluff. This is an act of civil disobedience in response to a perceived injustice, we haven’t seen that here in a loooooong time.
The ball is now in the Integrity Commission’s hands, leh we see who is man!
Rhoda Bharath, I’m not disagreeing with anybody that the timing is beyond suspicious… and my initial comment spoke to how ridiculous it is that this is still an issue after 11 years.
Regardless of that though, if a legal authority asks questions of you within a legal timeframe, then I think you have to answer. If you and I have to answer to whoever, then politicians, and in particular someone who wants to be PM, definitely should set the example regardless of how frustrated they are. How would society function, if we all said, you’ve asked me enough times, too bad if you haven’t got the answers you were looking for?
Yeah. But if I answer you over and over again, and you still not satisified. Which means that you implying that I am a liar, than ask some other @#$%^ body. Is like how we “know” that Tanty Kams does take she lil spliff now and then. But we could ask she till we pink, we will never get the answer we looking for.
I agree with everything you all say about the integrity commission. But then it is up to the president to revoke their appointments and dissolve the IC. But once he hasn’t done that then it is a functional IC with powers given by the constitution.
We may not respect the personalities but I think it unsettling to disrespect the position.
That gives me a bad feeling. Once bitten…
Presi who? We still have one ah those?
Exactly Garvin i agree 100% but evrybody ready to jump down the man throat ent?
The Integrity Commission has repeatedly disgraced itself and never more than under Zainool. It is completely without credibility and though I agree that Rowley’s flippant dismissal of the body sets a bad precedent, what else is the man to do under circumstances where the IC is obviously allowing itself to be exploited by the ruling party for political gain?
This is nothing short of persecution, pure and simple!
But he did not dismiss it. His lawyers are to apply for an extension. I want t o see what possible grounds this Ainthavenointegrity Commission will find to refuse.
Ent Lu Lama?
Seems like evrybdy forget about that steupssss!
Chabeth Haynes hasn’t Landate been a legal matter? Hasn’t questions been posed before CoEs as well?
2 weeks before an election Zainool get productive?
Mary Jackass must be write on my forehead.
Well it sure as hell not on mine.
It is VERY upsetting and come on, the man is human and is entitled to get upset as well. CLEARLY he’s been targeted by nasty people for YEARS. And for this harassment to be coming AT THIS TIME, from a group of people who should’ve been made to RESIGN, because their own integrity has come into question, makes this whole thing very suspicious. I support Rowley’s position 1000%. Let them wait. Let’s see what they’d do after 14 days.
For this I also blame “President Powers”. Every single institution in this country that is supposed to be independent, save for the DPP’s Office, has been compromised. Not even the Permanent Secretaries can be relied on to keep the government in check.
With just two weeks to go, Stephen Williams and the TTPS cannot produce the results of the email investigation. This is ABSURD tp the maximum. But Zainool and Company already “cleared” Kamla and Company of any wrong doing. This country is being pushed to the brink.
Lasana, I don’t think anyone who has followed the shenanigans of this integrity commission which led to the immediate resignation of 2 of it’s members after the blatant interference of Kamla and her government was exposed could repose the slightest bit of confidence or trust in the present chairman or his board as it now stands.
Some will call it “harassment”, others will call it “being thorough”. But when ppl/bodies who have legal authority to ask questions, do ask those questions, everybody cannot just say eff you. Society cannot function like that.
If you want, take it to court and let a judge decide if you were being harassed or not.
Lasana Liburd, once the balance there in the piece, I good. Rowley’s exasperation was/is not without context. That is my point.
The UNC Government has compromised the major Institutions that are supposed to protect citizens from abuse by ruling politicians.
Quite possibly. But it is still the Integrity Commission.
I think the Police Service is, by and large, a bad joke that seems to have a blind spot for persons of influence. But I dare not ignore them if they say I have a case to answer.
But if your lawyer is not ready, extensions are granted. Nuff said. Smokescreen to deflect us from the twenty WEDGES, according to my son, who honestly thought is was a new offering from subway when I quoted it.
This is political harassment for political gain. The Integrity Commission is a farce and a political tool of the UNC.
I made an adjustment on the point about how often he has been asked about Landate Rhoda Bharath. But I do fear that people can always find a reason not to respond to lawmen.
That is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Rowley’s part. But my fear is of a bad precedent being set where others take the same get-out clause because of perceived biases of the investigating party.
What can we do but respond appropriately if that is the properly constituted body for such matters?
A person claiming to be a police officer was trying to tell me what to do. No uniform, no ID. Salt. He was the right person but he was seriously outta timing. I just looked at him, steups, and roll up my window. Zynool still getting a response.
I don’t know how many times he has been asked. But I agree that is important contextual info. I will include that Rhoda.
On principle though…
So wait, Lasana, You mean to say you really are unaware of the history of the Landate affair. Nah man. Do some investiquiring.
Ravi Maharaj Rowley being arrogant here? Having faced questions and answered them on this issue numerous times?
Are we all really saying that he has never been investigated and made to answer to this issue?
For years?
I see exasperation more than arrogance here. But I know it easy to parrot what everyone else is saying.
Lasana Liburd…in all fairness has he responded in the past when he good and ready? Im sorry…the timing on this after facing not one but three investigations on the matter would lead me to respond with exasperation.
And that is important contextual info… this is the 4th time he is being made to answer questions on an issue in which he has not been found guilty.
Ten thumbs up Rhoda!!!!!
11 years worth of integrity commissioners and the IC now getting around to this?! And people like to complain about the pace public servants operate at in government offices?
But yeah…he’ll be better prepared to answer if he’s PM? Our dumb system allows for the flourishing of arrogance and maximum leaders… ain’t nobody better than anybody else.
IC not “now” getting around to this. this has been vented in the courts. it is just a wicked distraction. why the @$$ they don’t leave the man alone. imagine Bas getting a letter about his London Bank account.
This behaviour shouldn’t surprise us at all. Both sides have paraded like peacocks for the last 5 yrs.
Lol Ravi Maharaj!
I agree that it seems like harassment when someone is repeatedly asked about the same alleged crime for years.
I even agree that the IC’s behaviour is extremely questionable in recent times.
On principle though, I can’t support anyone telling investigators that they will respond to them when they are good and ready.
I feel that sets a bad precedent Rhoda Bharath.
If I am not mistaken, the intention is to apply for an extension that will give Dr. Rowley adequate time to respond. Is there a precedent? Any legal folks here? Rhoda? Is there a precedent. Blatant harassment. That Hosein man is an embarrassment to the Judiciary. Volney was bad enough, Carmona a great disappointment, but as far as I am concerned, Hosein is in the same league as the criminals he presided over.
You just turned me off of hot dogs
How many times has Rowley faced an investigation on Landate? Didnt && launch one as well with a witness statement from Skippy?
Forgive my impatience with Landate as an issue…2 weeks before an election? Zainool? This again? They have new evidence?
Those are my questions. In KR’s position I might be just as dismissive.
Im waiting patiently for the attack on Sharon Rowley in the next 13 days.
In the same vein that they could not pursue one investigation because Dr. Rowley did not provide them with enough information, then it follows logically that they cannot pursue this one because he has not provided them with the evidence. sic.
Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Lingo can see through this abuse of office by the IC.
My concern is, especially remembering Hubert Volney, that the judiciary, who we expect to be impartial, seem to be displaying a frightening degree of taint.
It also speaks volumes to the Presidents’ capacity or incapacity to choose…..any thing, including a proper wardrobe consultant.
I think the most critical issue here is the impartiality – or more accurately the total lack thereof – of said Integrity Commission. Their actions under this current chairman are partisan to the extreme.
I think that is an important issue Scotty. It is relevant. But I think when the authorities say they have questions for you to answer, then you answer them.
Anyone can find a reason why they shouldn’t listen to authorities. So I’m wary of allowing any exceptions. We have had enough of that already.
Not saying that the answer Dr. Rowley gave is excusable. But it is understandable, given the root cause. And that adds significant context to the narrative.