Trinidad and Tobago Features Prominently in International Crookery
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Weighs in on Latest Developments Surrounding Former FIFA Vice President Austin Jack Warner
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Nov 21, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says he is not surprised at the latest developments surrounding former FIFA vice president Austin Jack Warner; he had strenuously denounced the “appointment of Jack Warner to the cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago” in 2010.
Rowley took objection to Warner’s appointment, citing his questionable reputation and involvement with FIFA. He warned that Warner’s involvement at FIFA could embarrass Trinidad and Tobago.
Last Thursday, Warner defiantly stated that he would continue to fight his extradition to the United States to answer corruption charges, even after London’s Privy Council ruled that the extradition proceedings here are not unlawful.
Warner defended the decision by FIFA to give preference to South Africa, Russia, and Qatar to host World Cup Finals. He is facing 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering related to corruption allegations.
The Privy Council, Trinidad and Tobago’s highest court of appeal, dismissed Warner’s lawyers’ contention that the extradition proceedings in the magistrate’s court here were unlawful, paving the way for the matter to resume.
Warner, who also served as CONCACAF president, is one of 14 people charged in connection with a 24-year scheme designed to “enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.”
The US Department of Justice claims that from as far back as 1990, Warner leveraged his influence and exploited his official positions for personal gain. He is accused of receiving five million US dollars in bribes to vote for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup.
Rowley addressed the Women’s League of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in San Fernando, southwest of here, on Sunday, stating that when he was appointed Opposition Leader following the 2010 general election, his first order of business was to oppose the selection of Warner into the cabinet.
Rowley emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago features prominently in international crookery, citing the country’s involvement in corruption allegations. He urged the nation to confront its own demons.
Attorney General Reginald Armour has already said that the law should be allowed to take its course now that the Privy Council has dismissed Warner’s appeal against his extradition to the United States to face corruption charges.
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Conclusion
The latest developments surrounding former FIFA vice president Austin Jack Warner have raised concerns about corruption and international crookery. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the need for Trinidad and Tobago to confront its own demons.
FAQs
* Who is Austin Jack Warner?
+ Former FIFA vice president and CONCACAF president.
* What are the allegations against Warner?
+ Corruption charges, including wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.
* What is the status of Warner’s extradition proceedings?
+ The Privy Council has dismissed his appeal, paving the way for the matter to resume.
* What is the reaction of the Trinidad and Tobago government?
+ Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has expressed concerns about corruption and emphasized the need for the nation to confront its own demons. Attorney General Reginald Armour has said that the law should be allowed to take its course.