Statement — ILP calls on citizens to stay vigilant

The Independent Liberal Party (ILP) welcomes the news that the Ministerial appointment of MP Chandresh Sharma has been revoked as a result of the recent scandal which has now precipitated a police investigation.

Sharma’s resignation offer and the acceptance of his resignation by the Prime Minister conform with the requirements of the Westminster traditions and of other respected democracies where ministers who engage in conduct — whether in public or in private life — that bring the government into disrepute are required to resign or to be fired.

For example in 2010 Dutch Junior Defence Minister Jack de Vries resigned after admitting to an extramarital affair with an aide. In 2012 Singapore’s Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer resigned under similar circumstances. In 2013 Kerala’s Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar resigned after his wife accused him of domestic violence and of having an extramarital affair. In 2011, Rwanda’s Youth Minister Joseph Habineza resigned in a photo scandal and in 2012 CIA Director David Petraeus tendered his resignation to President Barack Obama after he too had an affair.

The ILP believes without doubt that the recent revelations of misdeeds and misconduct by members of the People’s Partnership Administration is just the tip of the iceberg of scandals for this government and we would not be surprised if more Ministers fall from grace in the upcoming weeks and months as a result of corruption, graft, nepotism or some form of other misbehaviour in public office.

We call on all right — thinking civic minded citizens to hold on to their values and to keep hope alive that righteousness will prevail in our beloved country. We also call on all citizens to be bold and courageous and to report to the relevant authorities any information they possess with regard to misconduct in office by holders of public office.

Indeed a nation can only have the kind of government it is willing to create and we can do this by demanding proper conduct and performance from our public officials.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jack Warner
Political Leader
Independent Liberal Party
Monday, March 31, 2014