Jack: It’s sanctimonious hypocrisy

National Security Minister Jack Warner has criticised Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley for what he described as a “frontal attack on the personal integrity and character of the Senate President and acting President Timothy Hamel-Smith.” Warner said Rowley has brought the office of the President into disrepute and attacked the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago with his unwarranted criticism against the acting President.

Warner commented on the PNM political leader’s criticism of Hamel-Smith for claiming that after he investigated all documents related to the Section 34 fiasco, he found nothing unfair about former Justice Minister Herbert Volney’s dismissal. In a statement released in his capacity as chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), Warner described Rowley’s reasoning as sanctimonious hypocrisy.

He said Rowley in one breath spoke about infringement on the Constitution, but in the other, “stomps his muddy feet all over it.” The minister also questioned the role of the independent civil organisations like the Joint Trade Union Movement, FITUN, the Joint Consultative Council and the MSJ, saying it was not surprising that when he speaks on any issue they scream blood, but when their political co-conspirator Rowley does worse their lips remain sealed.

COP political leader Prakash Ramadhar, who also issued a statement on the matter, said Rowley's sudden interest in Constitution reform is equally unbelieveable. He said the hypocrisy of Rowley’s claim of bias and “rubber-stamping” is obscene.

Ramadhar said Rowley was a senior member of the PNM when it appointed a sitting executive member, Dr Linda Baboolal, and later former government minister,  Danny Montano, both active politicians, to the Office of the President of the Senate. He said Rowley never made such claims then.   

He said upon ascension to the Office of the President of the Senate, Hamel-Smith made it clear that he will not participate in partisan political activity to protect the independence of that office. He has kept his word and always acted with integrity and in exemplary fashion, said Ramadhar.

He said Rowley’s attack on the office and officeholder is further evidence that he is unfit for any leadership role in governance. Ramadhar said the COP calls on Rowley to desist from such inflammatory behaviour and to issue an appropriate apology Hamel-Smith and the nation.