PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Declaring that the “gloves are off”, Jack Warner said last night he intends to go after Prime Minister Kamla Persad – Bissessar and reveal all through a tape which he will give to four lawyers.
Warner was speaking for the first time at an Independent Liberal Party (ILP) cottage meeting in Endeavour last night since his incarceration at the infirmary at the Port of Spain jail on Wednesday.
“I want to tell Kamla that as of tonight the gloves are off! Kamla having jailed me, as of tonight the gloves are off!” said Warner
“Everything I have against Kamla I will bring it out. I have kept it back too long and I will bring it out…but not tonight,” he continued.
Warner said he feels his life is under threat and as such he has decided to make a video tape and give it to four lawyers–from the ILP, the People’s National Movement (PNM), the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) and his own private attorney.
Persad – Bissessar, when questioned by the media following the opening of the new Maloney Police Station, said she received no funding from Warner when she contested the United National Congress (UNC) internal election in 2010.
She also denied receiving money from Warner for the 2010 general election or the 2013 Tobago House of Assembly election.
“I will tell you something–she lie,” said Warner in response to her comments.
He said he will name all the contractors he and Persad-Bissessar went to.
Warner said in one case it was so “obscene” that he walked out and “Stacey (Roopnarine) walked in”.
“All gloves are off, I remained silent for too long…they believe they could walk all over me,” said Warner.
Warner maintains his innocence
Warner made it clear he is innocent of the charges levelled against him by US authorities.
He said if he’s being accused of financial impropriety, then the question should be asked, who gave it (the money).
He said this issue was bigger than people in Trinidad and Tobago think.
“Why is it only third world countries are charged?” he asked.
He further questioned what was wrong in giving countries like Russia and Qatar the opportunity to host the World Cup.
He said being from a third world country, he understood Qatar’s position, but “the US felt they have the divine right to anything”.
He reminded that he cut all ties with FIFA four years ago.
“If after four years they still can’t forget Jack Warner something wrong,” he said.
Warner said he was never questioned with respect to the charges made against him.
“They never ask me once…charges…I Jack Warner know nothing about those charges, what our lawyers have done is tell them to prove it,” he said.
Warner said he was overwhelmed with calls and messages from all over the globe.
But the two calls that touched his heart were from the Panday family—former prime minister Basdeo Panday, his wife Oma and daughter Mickela and the second call from Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran and his wife.
He disclosed though he was depressed as he has never been to jail in his life, he thinks it is a “mark of honour” as he noted that Basdeo Panday, Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi and (Fidel) Castro all served time in jail.
He said he received “Hyatt” treatment whilst in jail and showered praise and gratitude to the prison officers and deputy Prisons Commissioner.
Warner slammed Attorney General Garvin Nicholas, whom he claimed signed extradition papers in 15 minutes.
He said it took three months before extradition papers were signed for Ish Galbarsnsingh and Steve Ferguson.
“How the hell after five years he can’t ask the US to send back Calder Hart here,” said Warner.
Warner claimed everything that was happening was a plot by the Government to get rid of him.
“I’m surprised that Keith (Rowley) didn’t undestand that,” said Warner as he expressed disappointment over the comments Rowley made in an Express report.
He said the Government, “having killed Rowley” with his suspension from Parliament, was now turning on him.
Warner’s return was an emotional one for his supporters as Josh Groban’s “You Lift Me Up” was played on his entry. <
Warner noted the heavy media presence at last night’s meeting, including the BBC.
“If to make one day jail cause that I should make two,” he joked.
“Jack is alive and kicking. I want to tell you he will be with you to the end,” said Warner.