Prakash to Warner: Stay away from Mirror, Newsday

Political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) Prakash Ramadhar is calling on National Security Minister Jack Warner to “desist” from moves to buy the T&T Mirror newspaper. Warner has publicly announced his desire to acquire the T&T Mirror and Newsday. Ramadhar, the Legal Affairs Minister, said at a meeting on Monday night the COP’s national executive considered the matter and its implications for good governance which was included in the People’s Partnership manifesto.

He said that policy-decision required public officials to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of ethical and political behaviour in the public interest. Ramadhar said that meant Government Ministers were required to put their own commercial or business interests in the care and conduct of others while they held office.

He said recently the Minister of Health had to choose between his private business and official responsibility and “such standards are applicable to all. This is not just a matter of law and legality but a matter of upholding the highest standards.” Ramadhar added: “The Congress of the People demands that this minister (Warner) immediately desist from further pursuit of this unacceptable course of dealing. “Failing to do so, the minister must make the choice whether he wishes to pursue his personal, commercial or other interests or act in the ‘public interest’ as the core values of the People’s Partnership extoll.”