Calls for T&T AG to step down
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Even as calls continued for Trinidad’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to resign, the AG remained in the position yesterday.
But the question remains if he will be fired or resign shortly as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to make an announcement later today.
The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has joined the chorus of calls for Ramlogan to resign.
The association, which has a tendency to remain reticent with respect to controversy, issued a brief, one-page release, following a meeting with its executive which was chaired by its vice-chairman Gerry Brooks.
The Sunday Express understands LATT President Seenath Jairam is in Guyana.
The release stated: “It is the view of LATT that the police investigation into the conduct of the attorney general has the ability to adversely affect and undermine the public perception of and confidence in the Office of the Attorney General. In the circumstances, it is LATT’s considered view that Mr Ramlogan SC must forthwith step down as Attorney General.”
The probe by police officers arise out of allegations made by director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West that Ramlogan requested that he withdraw a witness statement in a defamation matter involving Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and Ramlogan.
West, on Thursday, made an official police complaint and submitted a signed statement of his claims.
Shortly after the statement was delivered to police, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service issued a media statement announcing the commencement of a probe.
Ramlogan, who is titular head of the Bar, then issued his own media release, calling on the investigation to commence with haste, repeating the allegations against him are untrue.
LATT, in its release, also expressed concern over the allegations.
“The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) notes with grave concern the recent allegations by Mr David West, director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), and the launch of a criminal investigation by the Commissioner of Police (Ag) Stephen Williams. This investigation concerns the allegations of an attempt to pervert the course of justice made against the attorney general of Trinidad and Tobago.
“To prevent erosion of confidence in the Office of the Attorney General, LATT urges that the investigations which have been embarked upon by the Police Service of Trinidad and Tobago be conducted thoroughly and expeditiously, in the interest of the national community.
“Once the investigations are completed, any and all appropriate legal steps should be taken thereafter with due expediency. LATT makes no comment on the innocence or guilt of the attorney general and awaits the outcome of the police investigation.”
This is not the first time that LATT has called on an AG to demit office.
— Trinidad Express