Moonilal says IC chairman should consider quitting over Jearlean John affair

File Photo: Dr Roodal Moonilal with UDeCOTT chairperson Jearlean John

Roodal Moonilal said Tuesday the chairman of the Integrity Commission, Dr Eric St Cyr, should apologise to the chairperson of the Urban development Corporation of T&T (UDeCOTT), Jearlean, John for telling the media the commission was investigating John without first informing her about the probe.

And the UDeCOTT line minister also suggested that one option for St Cyr is to consider resigning.

John's lawyer wrote to the commission Monday calling for St Cyr's resignation.

Gerald Ramdeen accused St Cyr of committing "a serious breach of the secrecy provisions of the Commission" by speaking to the media about the matter.

"The statements made by the chairman of the Commission in this matter are unfortunate and have caused my client great concern," Ramdeen added noting that the matter that the commission is pursuing is with the "mischievous and frivolous intention to cause damage to my client's reputation and character."

Read the story: John's lawyer calls for resignation of St Cyr as chairman of Integrity Commission
Also read related story: Flashback: Previous Integrity Commission quit after court ruled that it acted improperly in Rowley case

The Express newspaper reported the story Sunday about the probe of John, citing St Cyr as its source.

Moonilal said, "He (St Cyr) should look at his position in the circumstances and there may be various options available to him including apology, a public explanation and a departure from office.

"Mr St Cyr is a sincere man, he is a very experienced gentleman and I am sure he would know what to do."

In June last year St Cyr commented publicly on the probe into Jack Warner holding two posts, and earlier this year, he said to a reporter that the Prime Minister should have avoided staying at her friends' residence.