Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar speaks with Attorney General John Jeremie
By Alicia Chamely
NEWLY-appointed Attorney General (AG) John Jeremie has hinted at mishandlings under the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) government that have brought him great “concern.”
He made this not so veiled revelation on Thursday while speaking to reporters shortly after he was sworn into office at an official ceremony held at the President’s House, Port of Spain.
Jeremie said, “The AGs office is a rule of law office and there are some things that have taken place over the weeks in particular and even stretching on beyond that, over the last government’s term, which I am very concerned about.”
Pressed for specifics he said, “I prefer not to get into specifics as yet.”
Jeremie indicated that once the cabinet had been put into place and his concerns addressed, he would disclose more information.
Asked what he would be bringing to the AG’s office, he said, “Experience for one thing, I have served before, two terms, for a PM under a different party.”
Jeremie said he meant what he said when he joined the United National Congress (UNC) on the campaign trail, that he believed the country was very close to disaster.
On assuming the position of AG, he said, “At this time in the country’s history, of course, it is an honour, but it comes with a huge responsibility.”
A former senator, Jeremie served as AG twice under the Patrick Manning-led PNM government, from November 2003 to November 2007 and from May 2009 to May 2010.
Jeremie caused shock waves in the PNM camp when he appeared along with now PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar on April 13th at a rally in Penal.
On stage he acknowledged in the past he had brought legal proceedings against members of UNC but felt that the PNM under Rowley no longer aligned with his beliefs.
He said his decision to cross party lines came from witnessing the country, especially the economy being brought to the “brink of collapse” by the then Government.
