By Sue-Ann Wayow
COULD it be that a presidential pardon would be given to King’s Counsel Vincent Nelson if Senate President Christine Kangaloo becomes the next President of Trinidad and Tobago?
Opposition Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal pondered on this question as that is one of various reasons why the Opposition is against Kangaloo’s nomination.
In last year’s alleged corruption case against attorneys Anand Ramlogan and Gerald Ramdeen, both members of the Opposition United National Congress, Nelson was a main state witness and whistleblower.
He had claimed that he was promised a presidential pardon by then attorney general Faris Al-Rawi if he gave evidence again Ramlogan and Ramdeen.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr Moonilal asked, “Is it the first order of business for President Christine Kangaloo, assuming she’s the President, to grant a presidential pardon to Vincent Nelson, clearing the way for withdrawal of that civil action against the Government so they may re-charge Ramlogan and Ramdeen?”
Last October, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued criminal charges against Ramlogan and Ramdeen, given that Nelson refused to give evidence until his civil claim against the State was completed.
Dr Moonilal further said, “That question’s occupying the minds of those in law enforcement areas and the judiciary. Is it Christine Kangaloo’s job to grant a presidential pardon to Nelson? There’s a track record, they used her position as acting President to fire Jwala Rambaran.”
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had stated at a press conference that Kangaloo who was acting in the position as President was acting upon direction from his Cabinet when Rambaran who was appointed under the People’s Partnership administration was fired.
“This alone should disqualify her from being President,” Dr Moonilal said.
He maintained the Opposition’s stance that Kangaloo, having a political history with the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) could certainly not be independent in the execution of her duties.
Dr Moonilal said, “Look at a President’s power to grant pardons in the Constitution. This is given on the advice of the National Security Minister, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions and others appointed by the President.”
Opposition Senator Anil Roberts also spoke at the press briefing.
