The People's Partnership (PP) is well aware of the deep level of trust and faith the people of Trinidad and Tobago have reposed in its administration, and Jack Warner would not be part of any regime that lies to the population. The newly-appointed Works and Transport Minister also says that after crime, traffic congestion is the main problem facing the country.
Q: Mr Warner, do you agree that after crime, traffic congestion is the major problem facing Trinidad and Tobago today?
A: (Nodding approvingly at his Concacaf office in Port-of-Spain, early Thursday morning): Yes. Because sometimes traffic woes lead to crime, and we are all familiar with the phenomenon called road rage.
How high is this problem on the list of your priorities?
No 2, the first, of course, being the terrible state of drainage in the country which causes flooding annually, with the consequential loss of livestock, property and personal hardships.
Aren't traffic woes more of a direct problem on a daily basis?
Well, we can tackle both together. I have been advised that we could experience more than 20 storms this year. We cannot survive one storm far less 23. Therefore, we have to prepare in advance...
If a storm should hit us tomorrow, how prepared are we to battle it?
I don't think we are prepared for a storm, and this is merely a subjective opinion. I have to meet officials of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management to ask them the many questions you have been asking me now.
On traffic congestion, you have resurrected the suggestion you made, years ago, that the PBR could be opened up at peak periods to general traffic...?
Yes. Clevon, and I cannot (perplexed countenance) understand why we cannot be innovative in coming up with ideas to deal with this perennial problem.
The maxi taxi operators are against this sharing of the PBR...?
(Frowning): Because they are short-sighted. Is this an attack on their livelihood, or isn't it an attempt to bring some measure of relief to this gigantic problem? We cannot dismiss their concerns, but this is a national problem where thousands of people are needlessly suffering on a daily basis. And, Clevon, I have friends all over the world who are prepared to help me at no cost to the government. If they can solve this problem in London, Seoul and Tokyo, why they cannot solve it here?
With all the good intention in the world, Mr Warner, how do you propose to tackle the public service bureaucracy if, for example, public servants tell you: "Chief, you cannot do this or that, because of so and so...?"
Three reasons, Clevon. In the first case, I don't recall any new minister taking office and receiving the kind of reception I received, which was a resounding welcome.
Secondly?
Yes. Clevon, my Permanent Secretary, Sheila Blackman, is a past pupil of mine. I taught her at school. I would tell her sometimes if she doesn't listen to me: "Sir is speaking to you" (Laughter). We have a very good relationship.
Thirdly?
The third thing, of course, is that they see us (Warner and his junior minister, Rudy Indarsingh) as a breath of fresh air. When I got there, I met one elevator for the minister, and I told them: "No; I don't want that. We all will travel in the same elevator." Rudy worked for me at the Polytechnic, so we all have good synergy and for me arrogance is a bad word... That is not my style of leadership.
Mr Warner, there is this serious concern about you being able to properly perform in a ministry, given your already onerous responsibility towards Concacaf and Fifa?
I have spoken to the Prime Minister, and it was agreed that I will reduce considerably my work load at Fifa and will resign from all the committees which might negatively impact on my performance here. You see, Clevon, because of the snap general election, I had no time to groom anybody, so it is not possible to leave the football just so.
How are you coping, so far?
Well, I am giving it my best shot, and as you can see, you came to see me at 6.30 am, and I am right here doing my job. Work for me is like a tonic...an elixir. I work 20 to 22 hours per day. I have no problem with that. God has been good to me. I don't get tired easily...I have lost the desire for more than two hours of sleep.
You are going against all the scientific studies which say the human being requires at least five hours of sleep per night...?
Anytime you see I get more than two hours of sleep, call the mortuary, because I will be dead (laughs). Call the mortician, I am dead. I just cannot do it. Let me give you an example. I partied until three o'clock on the morning after the election victory, and by six I was back to my work schedule.
Mr Warner, some of your detractors are saying that because you have invested heavily into the party, now is your time to recoup your substantial financial investment?
(Scowling while briefly dealing with a cellular call): I expect them to say that and much more. The fact is, I (hands pointing to his chest) have made a conscious decision that I will invest whatever I have in the interest of Trinidad and Tobago, be it football, youth development; whether it is in politics...and without any thought of recouping my investment. I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave it with nothing. All my life I have been giving. My wife always give me this joke: that she has to stay far from me, because I might just give her away, too (laughs).
Mr Warner, Udecott was one of the main reasons for the collapse of the Manning regime...
(Anticipating the question and interrupting): Before I answer, let me tell you this. Corruption caused the downfall of two governments �Basdeo Panday and Patrick Manning. And you can take this to the bank. Corruption will not cause the downfall of the Persad-Bissessar administration. Not under Jack Warner's watch.
And...?
Anytime I see, smell or even perceive anything is corrupt, the Prime Minister will be informed...I am not prepared to tolerate any form of corruption.
Former top diplomat and public servant, Reginald Dumas, said on television this morning (Thursday), that he was a bit concerned that the large margin of the People's Partnership Government may cause you all to become complacent down the road...?
This is one of the rare occasions where I beg to differ with Mr Dumas, and it is precisely because of this margin we are aware of the high level of expectation by the population that we cannot become complacent. The people will hold us accountable, and we don't intend to ever let them down. That, too, you can take to the bank and put it on a fixed deposit.
What does the taking of the two Tobago seats tell the PP administration?
When we were in Tobago on Monday during a motorcade, thousands of Tobagonians lined the streets–from Scarborough to Charlotteville–all wanting to touch Kamla.
Did they give you all any sort of profound message, or messages?
Of course. All they were saying to Kamla, Gypsy and I was, "All you don't fool us again, nah. Don't let us down." Tears came to my eyes. They were asking us not to let them down any more. Therefore, I swear to you, Clevon, on my mother's grave, that I will be no part of any government that tells lies to the people or become complacent with the people's concerns, and hopes and aspirations.