Warner appointed to National Security Council

Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner has been appointed a member to the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Warner was informed of his position in a March 26 letter from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Last Thursday, Warner sat in his first NSC meeting with three other members—Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, National Security Minister John Sandy and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair. The post was given to Warner five days after he was re-elected as chairman in the UNC’s March 24 internal election, having received 12, 656 votes.

The NSC also comprises Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs, chief of Defence Staff and members of the protective services, which include fire, coast guard, prisons, and customs and excise. Warner’s job will entail dealing with current national security issues affecting the country.

At every meeting, a source at the NSC said, there will be an agenda where issues of national security will be raised and discussed. Decisions will then be taken which will be passed on to the protective services for action. Regarded as a people’s person, a well placed National Security source said Warner was the best choice in the NSC since he often has his ears to the ground. Warner is expected to bring his own style to the NSC, the same way he manages his ministry.

Efforts to reach Warner yesterday proved futile.