Trinidad’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Pressure is mounting on the embattled Attorney General Anand Ramlogan to step down from his post as Trinidad and Tobago waits to hear what position had been taken by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar in the latest controversy to hit her coalition administration.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has said that she will announce her position at 4.00 pm (local time) following confirmation that police had launched a criminal investigation against Ramlogan for allegedly seeking to pervert the course of justice.
Over the weekend, the the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) called on Ramlogan to “step down” immediately as the police investigate the allegations of witness tampering against him made by the Director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West.
The allegation stem from a law suit Ramlogan has filed against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley as a result of statements made during a news conference relating to the failed extradition involving Section 34 applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh.
Ramlogan has denied that he asked West to withdraw his witness statement in support of Rowley six days before the PCA director took up his new post.
The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute in a statement said it viewed “with concern” the current situation between Ramlogan and West and that while it draws no conclusion as to culpability “the allegations involve issues of potential serious criminality.
“The highest moral rectitude is demanded of all holders of public office. They 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 & Tobago.
“Transparency considers that unresolved allegations against the Attorney General may permanently tarnish the Office of the Attorney General,” it said, noting that “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”.