Austin "Jack" Warner steps down as MP

Austin “Jack” Warner, the former National Security Minister in Trinidad and Tobago , has announced his resignation as a Member of Parliament , paving the way for a by-election in the constituency of Chaguanas West.

Warner, who resigned earlier this week as a Cabinet minister and as chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), the biggest partner in the four-party coalition People’s Partnership government, said he had already informed Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar of his decision.

“Let me tell you that when I spoke with the Prime Minister at her residence on Sunday I told her that if it became necessary for me to resign as Minister and UNC Chairman – which it now has – I would also wish to resign as the MP for Chaguanas West,” he told the public meeting in his constituency located to the south of the capital – Port of Spain.

Warner said he would be advising Wade Mark  - the Speaker of the House on Friday that his resignation would become effective from midnight.

“I know many of you are still crying and I too as well am crying but from inside where it is even more painful. The Prime Minister in our meeting last Sunday even suggested that even if I do offer myself up for re-election I shall win and with your help and support, I too do feel so. Then together – hand in hand – we shall set right all the wrongs that have been committed.”

He said in keeping with the laws, a by-election will have to be held on July 24 “and who knows with luck, love and your support, Jack Warner will be back.

Warner will be contesting the by-election as a UNC Candidate for the Chaguanas West seat.

 “We shall work together to strengthen our UNC and our government and ensure that the people are truly always the first to be served – and that they are served with dignity. I promise that come what may, I will never leave you and I will never disappoint you,” said Warner in an address that lasted close to three hours.

His  resignation as National Security Minister and now as MP followed CONCACAF’s release of a 113 page report into allegations of financial mismanagement by Warner and ex-general secretary Chuck Blazer.