Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner says questions about the non-appointment of Congress of the People leader and Finance Minister Winston Dookeran to act as Prime Minister should be put to Dookeran and not him. "Ask him, don't ask me. Keep trying," Warner added. Warner said that during a question and answer session on the steps of the Hall of Justice yesterday. Warner said he accepted with humility, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar decision to have him to act while she is out of the country from this weekend to July 12.
Many people speculated that Dookeran who was the most senior minister in the Cabinet was likely to get the nod over Warner. Warner said because of the acting appointment, he would not be attending the World Cup finals in South Africa next week. Warner said concerns about his ability to carry out the additional responsibilities should be raised with either the Attorney General or the Prime Minister.
"All I know is whatever they have asked me to do is legit (legitimate) and within the law." And Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar came out in defence of Warner's acting appointment yesterday. Speaking with reporters during a news briefing in a Committee Room in the Parliament Building, she said it was not a matter of who wasn't chosen but who was. She said: "Mr Warner is the chairman of our party. Mr Warner is the man who won the highest number of votes in the country. I think he is capable and well able to act in the position at this time." (RL)