It is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that a man is innocent until proven guilty.<\/p>\nOFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
\n13-15 ST. CLAIR AVENUE, ST. CLAIR
\nREPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO<\/i><\/p>\n
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE “PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION” OF JACK WARNER<\/b><\/p>\n
It is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that a man is innocent until proven guilty.<\/p>\n
This right is enshrined in the constitution of the republic of Trinidad and Tobago and is an important pillar in our system of justice.
\n
\nAnd so, the decision by FIFA to initiate a “provisional suspension” of its Vice President Jack Warner, pending investigation is not a determination of guilt but part of a process that we trust will be fair and unprejudiced. <\/p>\n
A “provisional suspension” is not to be equated with a finding of guilt, far less a sentence based on a finding of wrong doing.<\/p>\n
The process must now be allowed to go its full course since as I said, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. <\/p>\n
FIFA is an international sport body that is not part of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago; we therefore have no knowledge about its procedures and the dynamics of its unique internal politics. <\/p>\n
It would be unfortunate if we made premature adverse judgement and pronouncement on a matter that is under investigation. This would be contrary to the spirit and letter of the laws of our land.<\/p>\n
I am fully aware that events like this involving a Senior Cabinet Minister will be of immense concern to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. <\/p>\n
Likewise, I am concerned by the allegations made and expect an update from Mr. Warner upon his return, which he has assured he will do. <\/p>\n
At this time, there is no reason for me to arrive at any conclusion regarding the allegations made against Mr. Warner. <\/p>\n
A ‘son of our soil’ who served this nation faithfully at that very football organisation and who was instrumental in leading Trinidad and Tobago to its very first World Cup qualification just a few years ago must be allowed every opportunity to present his case against the allegations made about him.<\/p>\n
Consequently, at this time I will not prejudge the allegations against Minister Warner, and until there is evidence to the contrary, I stand by him. <\/p>\n
Date: 29th May 2011<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
NEWS UPDATE: MAY 30, 2011<\/p>\n
FIFA: THERE IS A CASE TO ANSWER<\/a> FIFA suspends Jack over bribery charges<\/a><\/p>\n PM: I stand by Jack<\/a> PM: I have not asked Jack to resign<\/a><\/p>\n Kamla hangs on to Jack<\/a><\/p>\n PM: Warner innocent until proven guilty<\/a><\/p>\n Jack: I will defend my reputation<\/a> Warner’s response to ethics ruling<\/a> Jack responds to FIFA ruling: Abuse of process!<\/a><\/p>\n Jack hangs in the balance<\/a><\/p>\n COP: He must step down as Minister<\/a> ‘Give Warner time off to clear his name’<\/a> How the deal went down<\/a> What Panday, Imbert say<\/a> Rowley: I warned you<\/a> Transparency Institute: Warner must choose now<\/a><\/p>\n TTTI: Govt must protect country<\/a><\/p>\n Warning signs for Jack<\/a><\/p>\n PM must now act on Jack<\/a><\/p>\n Warner must demit office<\/a> OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER 13-15 ST. CLAIR AVENUE, ST. CLAIR REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE “PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION” OF JACK WARNER It is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that a man is innocent until proven guilty. This right is enshrined in the constitution of the republic of Trinidad … Continue reading Prime Minister Stands by Jack Warner<\/span>
\nFIFA’S ETHICS committee yesterday suspended Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner from his football duties for one month after determining the FIFA vice-president had a case to answer in relation to allegations he offered bribes at Port-of-Spain’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in May.<\/p>\n
\nPrime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday she was standing by her Cabinet Minister Jack Warner following his suspension from football activities by Zurich, Switzerland-based FIFA. <\/p>\n
\nThe following is Jack Warner’s response after the FIFA Ethics Committee made its decision:<\/p>\n
\nI have learned this evening via the media that I have been provisionally suspended by the FIFA Ethics Committee. This has come both as a shock and surprise to me. At the conclusion of the enquiry I specifically requested that I be notified of any decision as I had learned via the media before attending the hearing that a decision would be handed down at 5 p.m. Despite leaving my contact details, up to this point, I still have not received any notification from the FIFA. <\/p>\n
\nThe party asked for Warner to step down as Works Minister pending the completion of FIFA’s investigations. <\/p>\n
\nLocal advocacy group FIXIN’ T&T is asking Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to relieve Works Minister Jack Warner of his ministerial duties so he has time to defend his reputation<\/p>\n
\nAS a FIFA ethics committee heard charges yesterday in Zurich in the money-for-votes scandal that rocked the governing body, details of the now-infamous Caribbean Football Union May 10-11 at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad, began to emerge. <\/p>\n
\n“Whether or not he is found guilty, he should not hold both posts at the same time (FIFA vice president and Works and Transport Minister),” Panday said.<\/p>\n
\n“I told you so.”<\/p>\n
\nYesterday the FIFA Ethics Committee suspended Jack Warner for one month pending “full investigation” of bribery allegations brought against Warner by one of his colleagues, CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer. Also suspended for one month was fellow FIFA Executive Committee Member Sheik Mohammed Bin Hammam, who is President of the Asian Football Confederation. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"