PNM claims victory over resignation

The People’s National Movement is hailing the sudden resignation of SSA Director Reshmi Usha Ramnarine as a victory. PNM General Secretary Ashton Ford said this latest chapter in the intelligence agency’s controversy was a “vindication” for PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley. “Now that Ms Ramnarine has resigned it is a clear indication that the matter was of grave importance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.  The situation was grave, and once again Dr Rowley and the PNM have been vindicated.  Dr Rowley was only acting on behalf of the party.  I can safely say, now good sense has prevailed,” Ford declared.

The former PNM diplomat also indicated that Rowley’s position to withhold support from the Government in Parliament—in its bid to pass legislation to carry out the death penalty—will be revisited now that Ramnarine has resigned as head of the intelligence agency. “On the face of it, I don’t see his position remaining the same.  He was specific on this, once Ms Ramnarine remains the party will review the relationship with the Government. Now that she has resigned I expect that most likely that situation will be reviewed,” Ford said. Just before the news broke that Ramnarine had tendered her resignation, the Opposition Leader told the PNM Fyzabad constituency’s conference of delegates that he had proof Ramnarine was not suited for the post.

Rowley, addressing party supporters in Fyzabad, said the party had a copy of Ramnarine’s hand-written curriculum vitae. “We have in our possession her CV which she, herself wrote in 2007 and between then and now she was employed somewhere in 2007, not in the SIA, somewhere between 2007 and today she has nine years experience in the SIA mathematics Kamla style, mathematics Rambachan style, mathematics Sandy style... but they will not take this country for fools,” Rowley declared. He told supporters Ramnarine’s appointment was “the most dangerous and destructive thing the UNC has done as Government.”

Toney: Rowley out of place
Meanwhile, hours before Ramnarine resigned, Congress of the People Chairman Joseph Toney said Dr Keith Rowley was out of place to lay down any conditions. “For you to lay down conditions for dialogue with the Govt is a no-no. It is just not done,” Toney said. Toney asked: “Today he will lay down this condition, what is going to lay down tomorrow?” (MLP)