Authorities had to reason to stop Hart from leaving Trinidad

Government officials in Trinidad and Tobago were powerless to stop former UDeCOTT executive chairman Calder Hart from leaving the country on Saturday shortly after he resigned his post.

They say he had not been charged with anything and there were no legal grounds to detain him or prevent him from leaving.

The Trinidad Express quoted one source saying any attempt to act against Hart would have been wrong.
"We must demonstrate our respect and commitment to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and respect for the rule of law, hallmarks of a first world country.

"We cannot stop a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago from getting on a plane and going anywhere, or going on the beach or playing football for that matter," a senior government source told the Trinidad Express.

Hart is also a Canadian citizen. The paper said the unnamed source confirmed that Hart’s attorneys have assured Attorney General John Jeremie that their client will remain "available for questioning at any time that the authorities wish to speak to him". They are reported to have provided authorities with Hart's phone numbers and intended date of return to Trinidad.

Opposition MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh has written to Jeremie, asking whether he has launched a criminal investigation into Hart. Gopeesingh's previous letter in this regard had been referred from the DPP's office to the Commissioner of Police.

Gopeesingh has also asked for clarification of extradition treaties between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada and Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.