Even someone with average intelligence and reasoning could see the flaw in your argument Mr Attorney General. The privy council stated that the Jammat's affidavit was irrelevant to its own case against the state as it cant expect the state to honour a private agreement with the PM. However Mr Narine feels that an investigation into this allegation by mr bakr is worthy and should be investigated to see if any wrongdoing was committed - quite different and irrelevant to Mr Bakrs appeal. A view shared my many.

How could you pretend Mr Attorney General to be mr Corruption Buster for the state. Sing, Sing Sing. History shows one thing for sure All crooks eventually get whats coming. We are all watching.

"struck out “as being scandalous and irrelevant" - ?!

What is this a Carnival Fete? I caught the clip of the AG speaking on this. The only thing 'foul' was Caesar egging the AG (who is clearly whipped) on in the background as if they were in a school yard. The behavior was truly disgusting. "PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning, who was seated next to Jeremie, was heard shouting across the floor: “The tyranny of the judge, that was what the problem is.” - And what exactly did you mean by that Caesar Manning?? Tyranny? (i.e: a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler)

Also Quote "Jeremie said he wrote a letter to Chief Justice Ivor Archie, yesterday, expressing the Government’s concern over Friday’s decision by Justice Rajendra Narine to order a probe into an alleged deal between Manning and Abu Bakr, based on an affidavit filed by Abu Bakr." - Ooh, Justice Narine they comin for you now sir...

http://www.1010wins.com/Probe-of-Possible-Ties-to-Group-in-NYC-Terror-Ca...

I don't think some people comprehend the serious implications these Allegations pose on Trinidad. This can be perceived as our Govt being linked to terrorism given Abu's track record, not direct but in the end result.

So, Real Nice Casar Manning, you've truly done well, now apart from corruption, crime that exceeds wild west standards, poverty, the billion dollar shopping sprees, and now we have this allegation.
What is this a blip as well?
Is this not to be taken at face value?
What a lovely impression you have bestowed of Trinidad to the world and what a legacy to leave for your future generations.

Theory: The leprechauns that Caesar Manning claims tried to assassinate him have now teamed up with Abu to tarnish his character, this NEVER would have happened if the man left their lucky charms alone and gave them housing...

Hmph, Hail Caesar Manning, He does whatever..

Jeremie the See-Ah Man eh!
It looks as though Jeremie was present at all meetings between the two persons involved, so he can clearly say that Bakr's claims are not true.
What a joker!
This man is a party hack through and true.

Manning Damn Vex

Look How Manning vex in de photograph! He eyes popping out he head!
Dey say de troot does really offend .....

Attorney General John Jeremie put your hand in this one and the general public in Trinidad and Tobago will burn you at the stake.

Ryan4Party

Was Jeremie speaking in his capacity as AG or as a member of the PNM??????? sounds to me he was speaking as a member of the PNM because an AG would never say that an accusation,no matter who makes it, is false except he was present at all meetings between the two parties. So much for being the corruption buster of T&T.

Foul smell in Parliament
Someone told me that a foul smell was coming from Parliament when Manning and Jeremie started to criticize the Judge's comments.
I told him that was to be expected, because Manning said that he was
"the Farter of the Nation."
Dat is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

"The tyrany of the Judge", says Mr. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Attorney General, John Jeremie you sure jumped up in a hurry to defend your Lord and Master. Something is amiss. What bit you on the butt?

Things have started falling into place. Mr. Manning honoured you with the London posting for the good deeds you did for him, with Mr. Sharma, and others. But he dragged you back in a hurry, didn't he? Reason being that the walls have started caving down on him, and you being his 'henchman', as no one else would take his orders, and comply without first checking its ethics and legality, was needed by his side to serve and protect him with your life. Are you our equivalent to the Secret Servicemen protecting the U.S. President - throwing yourself in front of Mr. Manning to save his life without any thought of yours? It appears so.

Mr. Manning, what's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Can't speak for yourself? You got cocoa in the sun, and it looks like ths rains showers are coming .. very soon? Gosh, what a predicament. Why are you so afraid, our Mr. Manning, if you have nothing to hide you hide nothing. Let an independent investigation take place and bring an end to all the speculations. Its an easy decision to make. You claim "the tyranny of the Judge" but is TYRANNY not the mode of operation of your governance, Sir?

Mr. Jeremie, you are attempting to tarnish the professional reputation of Justice Rajendra Narine, but it will get you no place. You claim that the P.M. is now being "asked to respond to a concocted story" and one that is "scandalous and irrelevant". But we do need to know whether it is "concocted", "Scandalous" or "irrlevant" or not. Why are you A.G. attempting to deny us this right, Sir. This errand may have brought you to Parliament, be at the beck and call of Mr. Manning to stand on your soap box and spew venom in Justice Narine's direction. You will have another 15 minutes of fame, but that may be all you will get this time around. Need we remind you, Sir, that Justice Narine did not give an opinion on this Affidavit. He simply stated that it caused him 'concerns' and therefore forwarded it to the attention of the DPP and CoP for their attention. So why, Sir is such anger and outrage coming from you, a representative/member of the PNM.

We, the people smell the stench coming out of this Abu Baker/Patrick Manning fiasco and alledged deal, and demand to know the truth; let it see the light of day. Not the version being proclaimed by our learned A.G. John Jeremie in our Parliament. You, Sir, are protesting too much ... and we smell fear in your voice and the tremble in your words ... you sound confused and desperate, as though your neck is on the chopping board.

Mr. Manning you brought your John to Parliament, reserved time for him to defend your reputation, while you delayed the starting of business of our Budget. Then why in heaven's name could you not have done the same when Mr. Rowley requested that you address the issue of the 'Gazette' re the Uff Commission to remedy a wrong and get the Inquiry back on track? Are we seeing one rule for Manning and another for the country. Disgraceful behaviour!

Dear John, you have written to our Honourable Chief Justice Ivor Archie to bring this 'unprofessional behaviour' of Justice Rajendra Narine to his attention. We do know that our Mr. Archie is no fool and is a man of ethics, and will not carry out the biddings of any politician or sr. gov't official whose aim is to run amock in our government, and will certainly not bring dishonour to his office.

We, the people, of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, demand that an independent investigation be carried out forthwith. We live in a democracy and the people of this country must be listended to. It is our country and we need to have it cleaned up before it is too late.

Foul? Are we talking football here? Tyranny? But what irony! Hear who is talking. Careful the same judge don't bring you up for contempt of court, parliamentary privelege or not.
Anyhow, the AG seems to be missing the point or confusing the two issues deliberately with an intention to mislead the House and the Nation. Mr Speaker,sir, are you there? Send them to the Privileges Committee. Or is different strokes for different folks? The Privy Council ruled that the affidavit was irrelevant to/in the Jamaat's case, but separately seemed to think that the allegations contained therein merited investigation. While the High Court had also ruled the affidavit as inadmissible, they did not deal with the allegations, as these were not of direct relevance to the matter before them. But the PC went further and beyond. No more Privy Council in the next Constitution, they too farse and out of place!
Not too long ago the COP said that he investigates all reports of crime when the PM indirectly reported to the party's faithful that a year previously a threat was supposedly made on his life. And although no report was made, the COP promised to investigate immediately. Btw, what is the status of the investigation? In order to be consistent, and in keeping with his oath of office, the COP is duty-bound to investigate the matter referred to him by the learned judge, even if he does not get the evasive document personally.
Well, if this matter is engineered to to escape the law courts through the machinations of those in authority, there is still the People's Court. Let them decide at the ballot box as soon as a credible Opposition Party could be found. If not, heaven help us, because when the Constitution is re-written there will be a whole section on "Disrespect of the Executive President" and all you good folks out there better watch out. You would be hunted down by the chosen AG & the hand-picked DPP (just like the hand-picketd eunuchs in the Cabinet) and if you lucky, you'll be sent before the firing squad (SAUTT) after appearing before the Kangaroo Court, otherwise is life imprisonment, where life means life, no chance of early release. Check out how it works in Cuba. And remember, you've been warned: "and jail eh nice"!

Tyranny of the Judge - Prime Minister:

We are living in trying times. We do appreciate the ethical decision made by The Guardian in providing us with this sounding board. We aim to protect the rights of our people and to call upon the carpet politicians who may wish to operate against the interest of our people and country. I would like to think that we can have this avenue open to us for a while yet. A silent population gives a Stamp of Approval for those whose wish it is to act in their own interest vs that of the people.

Thank you.

No one is above the law. Even judges. While we are investigating lets also look into Bakr's claims re Ramesh and Panday. It is amazing that none of the "fair minded" commentators here have suggested same.

Its time to educate us Patrick, just answer the questions and let we hear you say Abu Bakr lie.
TV cameras don't miss a thing, we see all your body action and the reactions on you face with your eye balls stark staring mad.
No more Privy Counsel, we the people are going to convict you.

This smells like the PNM has something to hide and demonstrates how they want to be a dictatorship. What temerity the judge has to question the PNM? If the PNM has nothing to hide the investigation should reveal just that. The PNM should keep quiet and demonstrate that T&T is a democracy. There are more important matters to attend, for example, crime, poor health service, education etc, for the PNM to be wasting time on what they say are firvolous allegations. When will our governments and opposition grow up and deal with the issues at hand. If the investigation reveals that the PNM did infact strike some deal with the Jammat, then by all means it is something worth pursuing. If not then all these debates tehy are having now is just wasting time and money.

....hey JJ, Mr. Fixer...the noose is already around Patos's neck on this one and just watch how it's going to get slowly tightened as the days pass by...now if you so correct, why not repeat what you said under the protection of parliament, in public?....oho...you fraid jail?....better overcome that JJ as Patois will need a friendly cellmate in the not too distant future....

Well, Well, Well, hmm only in sweet TNT. Every citizens know Abu Bakr intimidated the residence in the marginal area in favor of PNM to win election, and now the AG jump up like Manning Lawyer to defend him. Isn't the AG suppose to have this investigated. Poor justice Narine, now he's in the shit list. People of Trinidad it is time to remove Manning, ok if the PNM supporters do not want to vote otherwise, at least get together and remove Manning, put someone else in his place.Personally I do not care if an afrotrini or Indotrini is prime minister as long as he os she is doing a good job and treat everyone equally. I am pretty sure the AG and chief of police knew all this before and try to cover it up.

Dear Editor,
It seems as though anyone in Trinidad and Tobago who does not openly support the PNM is either a Tyrant, Politically Motivated, has a Personal Vendetta or is Unfit for Office. Such is the case of Isreal Khan, and Kenneth Sirju (UdECOTT Inquiry); Zainool Hosein (Integrity Commission); Rajendra Narine, Sat Sharma, Lennox Deyalsingh and Mustapha Ibrahim (Judiciary). Is there a common thread here? Wake up people, your Democracy is being eroded.

Dear Editor,
The Attorney General, John Jeremiah should be in Lamentations regarding the fact that his boss Ezekiel Manning has been in Revealations of Impropriety with Judas Bakr.
One thing that Jeremiah may have learned in Law School is that "the best Defense is a good Offensive", however his attack on the Judge is not just an offense, it is offensive, to say the least. Manning had his Genesis in questionable dealings with criminals and now the people demand his Exodus.

dvillageman: In any legal process before the Court the tenacity of the allegations in an affidavit could only be tested by an affidavit in response and by cross examination. Is the Prime Minister exempted from this process. Mr. Jeremie (the use of "Honourable Minister" must be earned) must realize that the function of his office must be seen as non-polictical and impartial. Doesn't he know that "justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done"?
This is the tyranny of Manning not of t he judge.

Folks:

Do you really believe that this excitement will amount to anything?
Are you forgetting the Airport scandal, the Hart Affair, (. . . and we can go on for days)?

"Probing" each other has become a full-time fetish for Trini politicians?!?

PJ

I cannot help but observe that the views expressed by bloggers are practically 100 percent against Manning and his PNM cohorts. While I appreciate it would be a difficult, if not impossible task to defend the indefensible, in order to have some semblance of balance or objectivity, we need to see the views of some of the Manning/PNM supporters. I have noted a couple of them posting in the past, but their contributions betrayed some vicious streaks of unhealthy rage and angst which was not really called for. This is not to say that there have not been some bitter remarks on the anti-Manning/anti-PNM side, although some contributors do try to inject a bit of mirth and humour and to caricature some of the political personalities, Panday and Manning included. Their behaviour and actions invite this. And that's how many Trinis react to the tragi-comedy that passes for politics in T&T. But I would still like to see some wholesome healthy bipartisan exchanges and debate on current issues and concerns, if not, this will take on the colour and flavour of some of those ignorant call-in programs which only serve to encourage and incite divisiveness in the society, something which we can ill afford. Folks, what are your views? And please don't shoot the messenger!

Tyranny of the PM — Ryan4Party

The Privy Council dismissed the claim by Bakr on the grounds that the alleged contract with the PNM was illegal and hence unenforceable. For a contract to be enforceable, it must be legal.

The Privy Council ruling does not comment on whether or not the agreement in fact existed. However it presumes that if it did in fact exist then the activities of the PNM were in fact "illegal" and "corrupt".
The issue that Justice Narine is referring to (i.e. that these allegations of “corrupt” and “ illegal” activities said to be perpetrated by the PNM should be investigated) is therefore separate from the Privy Council ruling (i.e. that the claim by Bakr was unenforceable as it was “ illegal”.)See quote from ruling by Privy Council:
"The essence of the agreement between the Prime Minister and Mr Abu Bakr on behalf of Jamaat was that certain advantages would be given to the Jamaat out of State property in return for securing voting support for the Prime Minister's political party. In the opinion of the Board this was corrupt within the meaning and intendment of section 3 and each party to the agreement was acting in contravention of this section. It is apparent that it was quite different in kind from the "pork barrel" arrangement whereby governments take actions which are proper exercises of power, but which may favour certain areas or classes of people, in the hope and expectation of electoral support. The latter may, depending on the facts, be justifiable as a legitimate public purpose. But the whole purpose of this agreement was to obtain electoral advantage for one political party, the PNM by means of using State property, and as such it was clearly illegal."
Concern about these allegations by Mr Bakr is normal and should be investigated in the interest of transparency. Transparency is an important characteristic of a functioning democracy. Where there is no transparency and corruption takes over, there is no sovereignty and the government is not legitimate. If there is no issue and Manning is really clean then why such apprehension about an investigation? Why all this anxiety if there is nothing to fear?

Here is a good intriguing one. In the public opening today 15 September, of the Darwin Centre, at the London Natural History Museum, the Times newspaper teamed up with the museum to get readers to name a species with their chosen name This creature which needs to be given a name is a member of the parasitic wasp family, discovered in 1981 in Ecuador by Martin Cooper. Gavin Broad the curator at the Darwin Centre describes it as “a big showy wasp” The parasitic wasp is so called as it drills through barks and lays its eggs on unsuspecting insects underneath.
Popular names for insects are after politicians. In 2005, three species of the slime-mould beetles ( six legged slime-balls) belonging to genus Agathidium, are named A.Bushi, A.Cheneyi and A. Rumsfeldi after US politicians. Barack Obama has a species of lichen named after him, Caloplaca obamae to honour his support of science, Caloplaca has relevance in Latin for scientific learnings.
Now the mind boggles as to who to nominate from TT’s politicians for the naming of the parasitic wasps? To enter the competition go: timesonline.co.uk/sciencecentral.

Thank you for entering