AL RAWI FIGHTS FOR HIS POLITICAL LIFE

Speculation over Scotland… 

EMBATTLED Attorney General Faris Al Rawi is fighting for his political life, as the Opposition is throwing more dirt at him. 

Several Cabinet Ministers, including an arch-rival, are not supportive of the beleaguered Al Rawi, and even Government propagandist Rhoda Bharath is maintaining pressure against him. 

The situation is fuelling speculation that Government backbencher Keith Scotland, an attorney, could land in Al Rawi’s job if Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley takes action. 

For his part, Al Rawi is turning to certain friends for support, and even the executive of his San Fernando West constituency was forced to issue a statement that it stands “in strong defence” of the Member of Parliament. 

The executive branded the attacks on Al Rawi as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.” 

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has written a six-page letter to the Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Prosecutions calling for an investigation into the alleged lack of official transfer of a vehicle which Al Rawi said he sold. 

Ms. Persad-Bissessar termed the matter a “miscarriage of justice.” 

Attorney Darryl Heeralal has revealed a document with signatures that suggest that Al Rawi granted indemnity to attorney Vincent Nelson before the latter agreed to testify against former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan. 

Ramlogan was charged in May 2019, along with attorney Gerald Ramdeen, with alleged conspiracy to misbehave in office. 

Legal observers have commented that the indemnity could have a major impact on the case. 

Al Rawi has also been criticised for drafting a flawed legal order with respect to the appointment of an acting Commissioner of Police. 

Rolston Nelson S.C. later adjudged that the order was unlawful. 

President Paula Mae Weekes also expressed concerns. 

The matter of Gary Griffith’s tenure as Police Commissioner is now before the Court. 

Opposition Member of Parliament Saddam Hosein has filed a motion of no-confidence in Al Rawi as Attorney General. 

Al Rawi’s friendship with former Police Service Commission member Roger Kawalsingh has also come under the searchlight. 

All of these, and Al Rawi’s chequered past with respect to the drafting of certain legislations, are being cited by critics to deride his competence. 

As Attorney General, Al Rawi is the primary legal advisor to Cabinet. 

Rowley has said that the COP order was “bad law” and an “error.” 

There has been no defence of the Attorney General from any senior Government official.   

Bharath, a paid Government communications hack, has been relentlessly criticising Al Rawi and demanding his resignation. 

“He has to go now,” she said. 

“It is time for the right thing to be done. 

“Dr. Rowley needs to revoke his appointment…” 

Bharath is known to be close to Colm Imbert, Chair of the People’s National Movement and Finance Minister, and Acting Prime Minister in Rowley’s absence from the country. 

Sources say that key Government officials are generally dissatisfied with Al Rawi’s performance. 

There is keen interest in whether Rowley would step in. 

The upcoming Budget and subsequent debate are likely to shift attention from the tormented Attorney General.