[UPDATED] 'I take full responsibility'

ATTORNEY Garvin Simonette yesterday told Newsday he took full responsibility for having not told the Prime Minister about his past driving under the influence (DUI) case in the US whose public exposure by the Opposition led to his de-selection as a minister minutes before he was due to be sworn in yesterday.

He resigned as a government senator hours after the cancellation of a swearing in ceremony for him to replace Marlene Mc Donald as minister of public administration.

In a statement yesterday, Simonette confirmed his past arrest on a DUI charge, as earlier alluded to by Opposition activists in online postings, and offered his resignation as a senator and declined to accept an appointment to Cabinet as minister of public administration.

The statement said, "I have advised the Prime Minister that in light of adverse media coverage regarding my culpability for driving under the influence, it would be inappropriate for me to accept his appointment to the Cabinet of TT. I have also advised him of my resignation from the Senate with immediate effect."

His withdrawal and resignation were driven by his desire to relieve the Prime Minister and the PNM from the distracting burdens of having to navigate any adverse commentary about a key team member. “I sincerely apologize for any embarrassment caused because of my past infraction. The last 16 months as a Senator provides ample evidence of my commitment to serving my country in the best possible way."

Simonette thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to have served and said he remained committed to the advancement of the people of TT.

He later told Newsday, "I take full responsibility. Given that it was several years ago and everything was resolved, I had not considered it to be of any negative position. But since a furore has arisen, my position is that I don't wish in any way to be a distraction from the important work the Prime Minister and party have to do.

"I remain a committed and loyal member of the party. I'm a lifetime member and I'm committed to the advancement of the country."

Simonette said the need to resign was regrettable.

"I have a tarnish-free reputation. I thought to take the high ground and relieve the Government of the burden of a distraction. It is regrettable as I have a lot to contribute. I remain available. However I could help, I will continue to help. I'm not bitter."

He hoped in the fullness of time to contribute to TT's political and social dialogue.

"We are in a volatile time. I'm not bitter, in full recognition we are in the cut and thrust of a very bruising election campaign where no punches with be held back. We are in election season and this (resignation) is an outcome of contestation and political battle. I've taken the high ground of relieving the PM and party of the need to defend a key player."

This story was originally published with the title "Simonette resigns as senator, refuses ministerial portfolio" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

ATTORNEY Garvin Simonette on Monday resigned as a Government Senator hours after the cancellation of a swearing in ceremony for him to replace Marlene McDonald as minister of public administration. In a statement yesterday, Simonette confirmed his past arrest due to driving under the influence (DUI) in the US, as earlier alluded to by Opposition activists in online postings.

The statement from Demming Communications said Simonette had offered his resignation to the Prime Minister “with immediate effect” following the release of records indicating an arrest in a DUI matter in the US.

“In addition to his resignation, he also declined to accept his appointment to the Cabinet as Minister of Public Administration.

“Mr Simonette stated, ‘I have advised the Prime Minister that in light of adverse media coverage regarding my culpability for driving under the influence, it would be inappropriate for me to accept his appointment to the Cabinet of TT.

“‘I have also advised him of my resignation from the Senate with immediate effect.’"

His decision to withdraw and resign was driven by his desire to relieve the Prime Minister and the PNM from the distracting burdens of having to navigate any adverse commentary about a key team member.

“I sincerely apologise for any embarrassment caused because of my past infraction. The last 16 months as a senator provides ample evidence of my commitment to serving my country in the best possible way," Simonette said.

He thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to have served and said he remained committed to the advancement of the people of TT.