Panday: President should fire Bissessar from IC; can't recall if he was consulted on appointment

Basdeo Panday has told the Guardian newspaper President Max Richards should revoke the appointment of Prof. Ann-Marie Bissessar from the Integrity Commission because of her family relationship to the Prime Minister.

Bissessar is the cousin of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s husband. 

Opposition Leader Keith Rowley raised the issue last week, suggesting that if Persad-Bissessar recommended her relative for the position then she was wrong. 

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan defended the Prime Minister, saying she was never consulted on the appointment and that Rowley was out of line and should apologise. The opposition leader refused, saying there is nothing for which he should apologise.

Ramlogan had pointed out Panday was the Opposition Leader at the time the consultation took place.

Panday told the Guardian she cannot recall if he was consulted during his tenure as leader of the opposition. In any case, he suggested that Prof. Bissessar's appointment should be revoked.

“Even if I was the Opposition Leader at that time and was “consulted,” then the President must make a decision of whether the continuing appointment of such a person would lead to a diminishing of confidence in the Integrity Commission. That is his job,” he said.

“If he is of that view, then he probably should ask the member whether she, in those circumstances, would like to resign. If not, he should have discussions with the member. He is responsible for appointing and revoking,” Panday added.

Panday said while he could not recall whether he was in fact consulted explained his constitutional role in the matter. 

“The constitution says that these appointments are made by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. If the records of the president indicate that I was consulted, I want to tell you how I am consulted.

“I am consulted by a letter written by the President’s secretary to me saying that they are going to appoint so and so and if I have any comments or objections. That is the level of consultation,” he said. 

Panday suggested that such "consultation" is without merit, adding that “the President from being a tool of the Prime Minister.” 

He said: “My experience is that the President has persistently ignored any advice given to him by the Opposition. He is a creature of the Prime Minister and usually follows the dictates of the Prime Minister.”