Dookeran: The FBI must not be used for political purposes

So said UNC Political Leader Winston Dookeran yesterday. Dookeran expressed concern about two things stated by FBI Robert Mueller director, "that raised my eyebrow." The first was that there were no terrorist cells in Trinidad and Tobago. The second was that Prime Minister Patrick Manning felt absolutely dedicated to reducing crime.

"Both of these statements would appear to me to have a political intent, especially since it came within hours of Mr Mueller’s arrival in Trinidad and Tobago," Dookeran said, adding that he did not wish to cast aspersions. He said it seemed strange that after only 24 hours in the country, Mueller could state that there were no terrorist cells. This, especially in light of some of the things which came out during the Lance Small trial.

Dookeran was also concerned that given the experience of Scotland Yard in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1990s, the FBI might face some of the same legal, cultural and managerial difficulties in working with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service that Scotland Yard faced. He nevertheless believed that the FBI should have been brought to Trinidad and Tobago a long time ago.

Dookeran also noted that, in the past, the private sector had initiated an external offer of assistance from the Giuliani group. That offer was rejected by the Government, he said.

Now years later, and after many more deaths and trauma, the Government seems grudgingly to secure external help, Dookeran said.