President David Granger this evening said that businessman Brian Tiwarie does not determine government policy. He was at time responding to questions from reporters about a statement issued earlier in the day by Tiwarie which stated among other things that Granger had acted impulsively in rescinding his appointment. A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency follows.
President David Granger has made it clear that Businessman, Mr. Brian Tiwarie has no say on government policies and appointments.
The President, while responding to questions posed by media operatives, earlier this evening, on the press statement, which was released by Mr. Tiwarie today, the President made it clear that he will not respond to the contents, which it contained.
“I won’t respond to Mr. Tiwarie and Mr. Tiwarie does not determine my policy and I will just leave it at that,” he said.
Rewards for Businesses
Questioned on whether the appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwarie was a sign that the government was rewarding members from the private sector for their contributions during the elections campaign and even after the government had come into power, the President noted that his administration accepts and appreciates the help of corporate citizens but nothing has been asked of nor given by his administration in return.
“I don’t know what he [Brian Tiwarie] is looking forward to. It is true that we have received a lot of support from the business community. As you know we have launched the five B’s initiative. All of those buses have been donated by members of the business community. A lot of bicycles have been donated by members of the business community so it is true that the Government has received a lot of gifts from the business community. They have helped cleaned up, they are corporate citizens but I am not aware that they have asked for anything in return,” the Head of State declared.
Additionally he addressed reports, which had suggested that the coalition had benefitted from $100 million from the businessman. The President made it clear that this was not true.
“I don’t know about that. I don’t know about any $100 Million. Not from Mr. Tiwarie or any other source”, he said.
China Trip
The President again reiterated that the Minister of State, along with In-House Legal Counsel of the National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Ms. Natalia Seepersaud were in China on official government business.
“As I said on the onset, Mr. Harmon went on an official assignment with Ms. Seepersaud on NICIL business to China, which I understand and approved and he has reported on that matter,” the President said.
