Rowley: I knew Warner’s FIFA involvement would embarrass Trinidad
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says he always knew Jack Warner’s involvement with FIFA “could and would be an embarrassment to T&T.”
Rowley’s comments came days after the Privy Council ruled that the former FIFA vice president can be extradited to the United States, to face corruption charges.
Speaking on Sunday at the annual general meeting of the PNM’s Women’s League held at the Achievers Banquet Hall in San Fernando, Rowley recalled that his first order of business when he became Opposition leader in 2010, was to oppose the selection of Warner into the T&T Cabinet.
“I took objection to Jack Warner being appointed to the Cabinet of T&T. The reason being…not that I had a problem with people electing him, the people can elect who they want to elect to serve them… but I made the point that when you’re talking about a Cabinet member, you cannot have a gentleman who had that kind of reputation and worse, a job at FIFA,” Rowley said.
He added: “I told this country that his involvement at FIFA could and would embarrass T&T. I need not say anymore. But I will tell you one thing, he is confident that he has the love and affection of the people of T&T. I’m glad for him!”
Rowley said it was Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar who elevated Warner to the position of acting Prime Minister of T&T.
“So today when all the movies are being made about international crookery, T&T features prominently because we were put out there among them. They don’t like it when we talk about it. But we have to confront our own demons,” Rowley said.
Speaking about the issue of crime, Rowley called for the weeding out of all rogue cops. He also said that those who protect criminals at the level of the family should examine themselves.
“You talk about low levels of detection in this country and it is true. Crimes are being committed and the police have to find out who did the crime. But the one thing we must confront is where these murderers come from. Who are they? Where do they live? Are they part of your family? Are you withholding information from the police? Do you know who has the guns?”
Speaking on Sunday at the annual general meeting of the PNM’s Women’s League held at the Achievers Banquet Hall in San Fernando, Rowley recalled that his first order of business when he became Opposition leader in 2010, was to oppose the selection of Warner into the T&T Cabinet.
“I took objection to Jack Warner being appointed to the Cabinet of T&T. The reason being…not that I had a problem with people electing him, the people can elect who they want to elect to serve them… but I made the point that when you’re talking about a Cabinet member, you cannot have a gentleman who had that kind of reputation and worse, a job at FIFA,” Rowley said.
He added: “I told this country that his involvement at FIFA could and would embarrass T&T. I need not say anymore. But I will tell you one thing, he is confident that he has the love and affection of the people of T&T. I’m glad for him!”
Rowley said it was Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar who elevated Warner to the position of acting Prime Minister of T&T.
“So today when all the movies are being made about international crookery, T&T features prominently because we were put out there among them. They don’t like it when we talk about it. But we have to confront our own demons,” Rowley said.
Speaking about the issue of crime, Rowley called for the weeding out of all rogue cops. He also said that those who protect criminals at the level of the family should examine themselves.
“You talk about low levels of detection in this country and it is true. Crimes are being committed and the police have to find out who did the crime. But the one thing we must confront is where these murderers come from. Who are they? Where do they live? Are they part of your family? Are you withholding information from the police? Do you know who has the guns?”
