Eric A. Williams

Eric A. Williams is a Trinidad and Tobago politician and Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South. Until his resignation in January 2006, he served as the Minister of Energy in the current People's National Movement government. A geologist and geophysicist by training, Williams entered Parliament in 1995Fact|date=March 2007 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. [http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2006-01-08/news1.html Energy Minister due in court tomorrow] - Wendy Campbell, "Trinidad Guardian"] Williams has maintained his innocence, [http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2006-01-09/news1.html Williams cries false charges] - Juhel Browne, "Trinidad Guardian"] but "senior government members" predicted correctly that he would resign his ministerial portfolio on January 9, 2006. [http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2006-01-09/news3.html Energy Minister to resign] - "Trinidad Guardian"] On January 9 the seven charges [http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=127364199 The seven charges] - "Trinidad Express"] were laid indictably against Williams. He was granted bail of TT$600,000. [http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2006-01-10/news1.html Williams’ bail increased to $.6m] Jada Loutoo, "Trinidad Guardian"] [http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=127364200 $.6M Bail: Former minister on 7 counts of corruptly receiving $75,000] - Hayden Mills, "Trinidad Express.]

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. [http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=127364189 Three Ministers in support of Williams] - Irene Medina, "Trinidad Express"]

On December 31, 2007, all charges against Mr. Williams were dismissed. His accuser Dansam Dhansook was declared to be 'manifestly unreliable' by Senior Magistrate L. Cardinez-Ragoonanan who presided over the Preliminary Inquiry into the charges.Fact|date=August 2008

ee also

* Franklin Khan

References