Khan: I was right to resign

Yesterday, Khan said his resignation was the proper thing to do, although he remained confident that in time he would be cleared of any wrongdoing. Asked if his resignation cast aspersions of guilt onto him, he justified his decision. He said: "It’s a judgment thing. On the balance of probabilities this was the best option to use. I could be right or wrong in my judgment — I am not God — but after talking to my family this was my decision." Khan was hopeful that all would work out well. "I will do what I have to do as regards my legal options."

Asked if he would have preferred the allegations to be adjudged by an open law court instead of the Integrity Commission (which the UNC has criticised as secretive and partisan), Khan said he wasn’t sure how the Commission operated, but was confident that in the end the matter would be dealt with. "I am comfortable with my decision (to resign)." Had he come under any pressure from within the PNM to resign as party chairman? "Not that I know of," he replied. Khan added: "And most definitely not to resign as MP for Ortoire/Mayaro because that is where my support is."

Yesterday neither Khan nor Williams showed up for work at each of their ministries. The absence of Khan was not unexpected as on Sunday he had resigned as Minister "with immediate effect." But Williams’ absence was unusual because on Sunday he was staying mum on the controversy and had insisted he has got "no reason to resign." His communications officer, Alicia Carter-Fisher, was giving away nothing and simply said she hadn’t heard anything with respect to any possible resignation by Williams.

Meanwhile, a call to President’s House revealed that no letter of resignation from Khan had yet been received by President George Maxwell Richards. The National Constitution states a Minister’s resignation from the Government only comes into effect when received by the President, irrespective of whether it is sent to the Prime Minister.