Jack Warner's resignation from his ministerial post was a decision long overdue, based on the several allegations in the public domain against him, says the T&T Chamber.In a statement also welcoming new security Minister Emmanuel George the chamber added: "Although the adage of innocent until proven guilty should apply to each individual, such serious allegations against Mr Warner warranted such a move as this should have been one of his first action. We also welcome his move to offer his resignation of the UNC.
"The chamber, however, does not see this as an isolated incident. Within the last two years we now have seen four ministers of Government leave their position centred around one theme: Lack of transparency."The chamber said the importance of full transparency in any government cannot be over-emphasised.
It added: "Incidents such as the corruption allegations that have followed Mr Warner throughout his tenure as minister, allegations of corruptions against other ministers as well as the Section 34 controversy, which has not yet been adequately explained, only serve to further exacerbate these perceived problems and will continue to add to T&T's lack of competitiveness in spite of improvements in other areas.
"If the Government is committed, the chamber expects the Government, and in particular the Prime Minister, should make every effort to put the national interest above any political agenda."Improving transparency and good governance are both key if the Government expects to restore the public's trust in our officials and also restore investor confidence."