National Security Minister Jack Warner on Wednesday chided reporters for trying to make a link between the resignations of Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs and deputy commissioner Jack Ewatski and Warner's personal issues relating to FIFA.
Warner had questions for the reporters: "Why didn't you raise the issue when Manning handed Philbert a letter? Wasn't that political interference? In this case there was none. So why are you so selective in one case and not in the other?" He said, "I can't understand it, you have to be consistent. I am telling you again there was no political interference. There was none."
Warner gave the assurance that the resignations won't affect his anti-crime plans. "The war on crime didn't revolve around two persons only," he said.
"That is so much foolishness that it's not funny. In the first place, I keep telling you guys that what you are looking for, expect from FIFA, nothing exists," the minister said.
"You are selling these two men short to say that...Don't do the two men that. They have come here, they have given of their best and if they want to leave, let them leave in peace. But don't tarnish their image and their character. I won't stand for that," he added.
Warner also said he had no personal issues with Gibbs. He added that is in no position to pass judgment on the performance of the two top officers. However he said he does not believe that his criticism of them prompted the resignations.
"I don't see a link...I do not believe that my criticism of their efforts or lack of it had anything to do with their leaving here," he insisted.
Warner although rejected suggestions that there was political interference in the selection of Deputy Commissioner Stephen Williams to act as Commissioner of Police until January 31. The Police Service Commission (PSC), which is an independent body, made the appointment.
Warner although rejected suggestions that there was political interference in the selection of Deputy Commissioner Stephen Williams to act as Commissioner of Police until January 31. The Police Service Commission (PSC), which is an independent body, made the appointment.
Williams was the number one choice for commissioner in 2008 but the Prime Minister at the time, Patrick Manning, used his veto and parliamentary majority to reject Williams. The United National Congress (UNC) opposition at the time supported Williams for commissioner.
Warner had questions for the reporters: "Why didn't you raise the issue when Manning handed Philbert a letter? Wasn't that political interference? In this case there was none. So why are you so selective in one case and not in the other?" He said, "I can't understand it, you have to be consistent. I am telling you again there was no political interference. There was none."
Warner gave the assurance that the resignations won't affect his anti-crime plans. "The war on crime didn't revolve around two persons only," he said.
"The war on crime revolved around the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the law abiding citizens of this country and therefore the fight against crime is in no way diminished by their resignation."
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