(Trinidad Express) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will today address the witness-tampering allegations made against Attorney General Anand Ramlogan.
Persad-Bissessar will make her statement at 7.30p.m from the Diplomatic Centre.
It is alleged that six days before attorney David West was appointed Police Complaints Authority director, Ramlogan asked him to withdraw his witness statement in a defamation lawsuit relating to the failed extradition involving Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh, in exchange for his being selected for the job.
Ramlogan, who is now the subject of a criminal investigation, has denied the allegations.
Despite several calls for him to resign, he remained in his position up to last night.
Among the latest organisations to call for him to step down was Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute.
In a press release yesterday, Transparency said the unresolved allegations against Ramlogan may permanently tarnish the Office of the Attorney General.
Noting that the allegations are now the subject of a police investigation, Transparency emphasised that no conclusions as to culpability should be drawn at this time.
“Transparency notes that there is a presumption of innocence, and that all citizens are entitled to full benefit of due process prior to any censure or condemnation.”
The group added, though, that the allegations involve issues of “potential serious criminality” and that the highest moral rectitude is demanded of all holders of public office, who must be above any possible reproach at all times.
“This includes the Attorney General, whose Office is constitutionally enshrined, and who has responsibility for the administration of legal affairs in Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement continued.
“Under the Westminster system of government, which is espoused by Trinidad and Tobago, in circumstances where questions arise over the conduct of a holder of public office, propriety requires that the office-holder demit office pending the completion of investigations,” Transparency stated.
