Vice Chairman of the Congress of the People (COP) Vernon De Lima has publicly denounced the decision of the People's Partnership Government to support its embattled Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner amidst allegations of bribery made against him. "In Mrs Mary King's case, the COP took a position and she was moved aside and now Jack Warner's case has come. What is good for the goose is good for the gander and the fundamental vein that runs through both of the cases is bobol," he said.
De Lima made the comments yesterday during the launch of his candidacy for the position of political leader of his party at the COP Operation Centre in Charlieville, Chaguanas. He was responding to Warner's view that King's matter (the alleged involvement in the process leading to the award of a $100,000 government contract to a company owned by her family) was "totally different" from the FIFA probe into allegations that he arranged for US$1 million in bribes to be offered to 25 Caribbean associations at a special meeting held in Trinidad last month.
De Lima reiterated the COP's "adherence to principles and values" and said they had to be the "watchdogs" who ensured that "honesty, integrity and transparency" reigned supreme. He said: "I promise the nation that as political leader of the COP, this party will never ever tow the line with anyone or any party when their position is wrong and not in accordance with the core values which adhere to the mantra that what is right is right and what is wrong will always be wrong." In endorsing De Lima's candidacy, fellow deputy political leader Robert Mayers echoed his sentiments when he alluded to certain ministers who appeared to be "highly favoured" despite being "accused of being on the wrong side of ethical behaviour."