The Opposition PNM Youth League is calling for the removal of Jack Warner as Works and Transport Minister pending the determinationof bribery charges against him. Warner was suspended as FIFA vice president as the Ethics Committee of FIFA said he had a case to answer.
In a statement yesterday, the youth league said in keeping with the need to protect the country's international image Warner should no longer perform his ministerial responsibilites. The group is also calling on Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to apply the same treatment to Warner as was given to former Planning Minister Mary King over her alleged responsibility in the award of a contract to a company owned by her husband to establish a Web site at the ministry.
Persad-Bissessar said she would stand by her minister as one is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Warner is also the chairman of the United National Congress. Vice chairman Dr Fuad Khan said there was no need to remove Warner from his ministerial responsibilities at this time.