Port-of-Spain: A surprising twist in the scenario involving the suspension of the the Deputy Chairman of the Integrity Commission Gladys Gafoor, as the Office of the President is saying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communications altered a statement it sent out on Gafoor's suspension, when in fact that Ministry does not usually handle statements by the President.
The statement first says that during visits paid to His Excellency the President, beginning January 9th, 2012, the matter of disharmony within the Integrity Commission was discussed with Gafoor, appointed member and deputy chairman of the Integrity Commission.
It says that complaints made by members of the commission were brought to the attention of Gafoor who was given the opportunity to respond, which she did and that the intention to take further action was also drawn to Gafoor’s notice.
The president's statement says that on February 9th, a letter of suspension was sent to her.
It says that when it was established that Gafoor had received the letter of suspension, a media release dated February 9th, 2012, on Office of the President letterhead, was sent to the Government Information Services Limited, as is customary, for despatch to the media, without alteration.
The President's statement goes on to say that this media release, quite unexpectedly and contrary to normal practice, was altered and issued on Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communication letterhead.
Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan said he too is in the dark about it.
He says he first heard about the disparity on Friday and has already launched an investigation to determine why this was done.
He says the statement from the President was sent to GISL which falls under his ministry but that he never saw the statement and neither did the permanent secretary.
He says it appears that an officer within his ministry issued the statement without getting the approval from the permanent secretary.
The minister says he expects to receive a report on the issue from his PS on Monday.
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