Eric A. Williams
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Eric A. Williams is a Trinidad and Tobago politician and Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South. He serves as the Minister of Energy in the current People's National Movement government. A geologist and geophysicist by training, Williams entered Parliament in 1995[citation needed] when he won the Port of Spain South seat formerly held by PNM founder Eric Williams (no relative).
In February 2004 letter to Prime Minister Patrick Manning, PNM Councillor Dansam Dhansook alleged that he had paid a TT$75,000 bribe to Williams. The letter was made public on April 27, 2005 when it was read in the House of Representatives by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, United National Congress MP for Siparia.
On January 7, 2006 seven warrants for Williams arrest were issued on a charge of misconduct in public office for corruptly receiving $75,000 in 2003.[1] Williams has maintained his innocence,[2] but "senior government members" predicted correctly that he would resign his ministerial portfolio on January 9, 2006.[3] On January 9 the seven charges[4] were laid indictably against Williams. He was granted bail of TT$600,000.[5][6]
Although no PNM officials appears at his hearing, three Cabinet Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds, Dr. Keith Rowley (who is being investigated by the Integrity Commission) and Diane Seukeran spoke to the press in his defense.[7]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Energy Minister due in court tomorrow - Wendy Campbell, Trinidad Guardian
- ^ Williams cries false charges - Juhel Browne, Trinidad Guardian
- ^ Energy Minister to resign - Trinidad Guardian
- ^ The seven charges - Trinidad Express
- ^ Williams’ bail increased to $.6m Jada Loutoo, Trinidad Guardian
- ^ $.6M Bail: Former minister on 7 counts of corruptly receiving $75,000 - Hayden Mills, Trinidad Express.
- ^ Three Ministers in support of Williams - Irene Medina, Trinidad Express
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