Ramesh: I am not the issue

In (Jack) Warner-like fashion, former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj yesterday dismissed criticisms that his staunch defence of Basdeo Panday in his court battle was strongly inconsistent with the reported role he had played in the investigations against the former prime minister which eventually led to his conviction.

“What I did then. What I say then. What government passed what laws,” were irrelevant, Maharaj stated. “The issue now is a fair trial,” he said.

Maharaj said his championing of Panday’s right to a fair trial was totally consistent with his longstanding commitment and career as a defender of human and fundamental rights. He added that Panday’s rights were being “nakedly” breached by the denial of bail. He said the right to bail pending an appeal was a fundamental principle of justice.

“This is an important issue that affects not only Mr Panday’s civil rights, but everyone else’s, including journalists,” he stressed.

Maharaj said just as he had become an advocate for the human rights of the Chatham residents, the East Dry River residents and the former Caroni workers, he was also upholding Panday’s rights. “You want me to take up the rights of Tom, Dick and Harry, but I cannot fight for Mr Panday’s rights?” he asked, passionately.

Asked about the perception that he was emerging as a major player within the UNC, Ramesh said he was not a member of the UNC. On his presence on the platform of Justice, Maharaj pointed out that he was merely a “special guest.”

Asked why people saw him as almost being destined to hold a post in the UNC, Maharaj said, “I am not God. “I cannot answer divine questions.” He said he had been throughout the country over the last three years, acting as a “kind of opposition” outside of the Parliament. He recalled that he did a lot of work in the UNC in the 1991-1995 period and also after the party entered government, as Attorney General.