Jack accuses IC chairman of bias, calls for St Cyr's resignation

Work Minister Jack Warner meets former President Sir Ellis Clarke outside the Red House

Jack Warner wants chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission Dr Eric St Cyr to resign immediately.

The Fifa vice-president and Works and Transport Minister made the comment in reaction to statements made in a media interview over the weekend suggesting that Warner should choose between his ministerial portfolio and his Fifa position.

St Cyr told the Sunday Express that he personally believes Warner should choose.

“I know that he is likely to be a very tremendous Minister of Works and so on, but I also know that he really serves the nation and the region on this world platform, but as difficult as that may be, I thought that he should choose one or the other.”

Warner accused St Cyr of being "biased and prejudiced" and suggested that he was "no different from any other chairman of the Integrity Commission.” He plans to write St Cyr an official letter, expressing his disappointment.

The issue of Warner's dual role came up after opposition leader Keith Rowley sought the commission's guidance on the matter to determine whether there is any conflict of interest and whether Warner's roles constitute a moral or ethical problem.

The Attorney General sought the advise of three distinguished QC's who said there is no conflict and both the AG and the Prime Minister have said the matter is closed and that if at any time a problem arises they know Warner would the right thing.

Read the story: PM Kamla keeping Jack in T&T cabinet

Several other legal authorities, including former President Sir Ellis Clarke, who was a principal author of the constitution, have said there is no conflict and that Warner has broken no rules.

“I am calling on Dr St Cyr to step down immediately as chairman of the Integrity Commission, and distance himself from any probe involving the church at the Heights of Guanapo," Warner told the Trinidad Guardian.

“He must do what is right by stepping down...I am disappointed that the Chairman of the Integrity Commission would come out and publicly express his personal opinion...in a matter involving collective responsibility,” Warner said.