UNC postpones Jack's hearing to Aug. 6

Jack Warner went to Wednesday's United National Congress (UNC) national executive meeting at Rienzi complex ready to deal with charges against him but there was no inquisition and the meeting was adjourned because it lacked a quorum.

Warner presented the party with a letter outlining his contention that he considered the executive to have no legal standing under the party's constitution and therefore it had no authority to judge him.

The lengthy letter also suggested that there was bias in the allegations against him since the party had failed to investigate the political leader who he alleged brought disrepute to the party by virtue of the criminal convictions against him and his expulsion from Parliament.

He also told the party that he plans to be represented at any hearing by legal counsel who would have the right to cross examine his accusers.

Read the story: Warner strikes back at UNC

The meeting had to be adjourned because it required at least 12 members to get a quorum. Only seven members showed up: political leader Basdeo Panday, Opposition chief whip Dr Hamza Rafeeq, former Chaguanas mayor Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Ramlochan Panchoo, Senator Adesh Nanan, MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Senator Jennifer Kernahan-Jones.

In a one-line letter to Warner dated July 29, 2009, UNC acting general secretary Glen Ramadharsingh said, "The National Executive has acknowledged receipt of your letter dated July 29th, 2009 and having considered the contents thereof, has decided to adjourn the enquiry into your conduct to Thursday August 6th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at Rienzi Complex."

Warner has advised the party that he would be out of the country on Thursday, August 6, 2009 but would be be available on August 15 and 16 or from August 25 to 31, 2009.

On Wednesday evening Warner addressed his supporters at a Platform for Change meeting in El Dorado, telling them fear is not an option.