(Trinidad Guardian) – Attorney General Bridgid Annisette-George was reportedly forced out of government, sources close to her said on Wednesday.
They said the AG was asked to relinquish office because she did not approve the Robert Lindquist investigation into the controversial Cleaver Heights Housing Project in Arima, and also because she appeared “soft” in dealing with certain legal matters against the Jamaat al Muslimeen.
But Prime Minister Patrick Manning, in a ministerial statement in Parliament, said Annisette-George submitted her resignation on Tuesday because of an imminent conflict of interest in the Clico matter. The government has commenced a forensic audit of Clico after it approved a billion-dollar bailout of the financially-troubled insurance company.
Manning said a few weeks ago, Annisette-George approached him and indicated that, having regard to the way the investigation in the Clico matter had been going, she anticipated that she could find herself in a conflict of interest situation. Manning said he agreed then “to look at it and to discuss it in the future.” “Last week we had a chance to do so and she indicated then, Mr Speaker, that her worst fears were coming to pass and that the anticipated conflict of interest situation was imminent,” he said. Manning added that he had no doubts about the AG’s ability to handle such a situation. “In fact, I remained confident that she was able to put national interest above personal or any other interest…In fact, Mr Speaker, she so reassured me,” the PM said.
Manning said both the AG and himself “recognised that situation had a tremendous potential for mischief, especially from those who were not sympathetic to the government, who didn’t wish the government well, we thought that in those circumstances a lot could be made out of a situation that was relatively simple, to the detriment of Senator George and the government of T&T. “In those circumstances, Mr Speaker, the Attorney General decided to do the honourable thing. “
Manning expressed his gratitude to Annisette-George for her contributions to the People’s National Movement and the government and people of T&T.
Manning then commended Annisette-George for resigning. “It is not often in the politics of T&T you find that we experience such public spiritedness in circumstances in which it is justified,” the PM added. He said Annisette-George “has gone very, very high indeed.” Manning said her successor, former attorney general and incumbent High Commissioner to London, John Jeremie would be appointed as AG.
Annisette-George remain-ed tight-lipped when questioned on the matter.
