Police Chief dismisses Vernon Paul’s statement

Despite a number of promises to supply Newsday with signed copies of his statement, the Venezuela-based Vernon Paul, who is well known to both local and other agencies, has failed to come forward with the documents.

According to Commissioner Paul, based on information received, including his unsigned statements and his ambivalent behaviour, police now believe that Vernon Paul has no real information as he has offered no evidence, or information to support his allegations.

"So far, one international agency which he claims to represent has disassociated itself from him and that has added to serious concerns about his credibility and his motive for his belated admission to give evidence in this investigation.

"While the matter is worthy of investigation, the police will not be side tracked by individuals who wish to play games with what can be a grave issue. People should know that to make false and misleading statements carries criminal consequences.

"According to a media release, Vernon Paul claimed to be a DEA agent and to possess recordings of the alleged plot on tape. To date he has not produced any tape."

The police chief made the statements at Police Headquarters, Port-of-Spain.

Responding to requests for police and witness protection by Vernon Paul in order for him to come forward with his information, Commissioner Paul said that until he sees the information and has been able to analyse it, there will be no talk of protection.

In a press conference at Police Headquarters on Monday, Commissioner Paul said between December last year and January, he had received three documents purportedly from Vernon Paul.

Vernon Paul claimed that his signature had been electronically placed on one of the documents, while the other two were unsigned. Commissioner Paul promised to discuss his progress in the matter with the media.

The commissioner also promised that the police will continue their investigations with or without Vernon Paul’s information.