Prime Minister Keith Rowley Addresses Concerns of Indo-Trinidadians

Reassurances Amidst Corruption Allegations

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has sought to reassure Indo-Trinidadians that there is no reason to fear the state’s targeting.

Rowley, who was speaking during a press conference on Friday, commented in response to claims by the leader of the central Opposition United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar that fresh corruption allegations against former Housing Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal are part of a “racist election campaign strategy.”

Fear of State Targeting

In a report published by the Trinidad Express, Persad-Bissessar stated that the new allegations raised by the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD) on February 11, during a status hearing, are intended to portray Indo-Trinidadians as corrupt.

In response, Rowley accused the opposition leader of attempting to sow divisions in the country with her comments.

“You have nothing to fear from the rest of the population. The law will determine who is police and who is thief,” Rowley said.

Offensive Comments

The prime minister described Persad-Bissessar’s comment as offensive, stating that Indo-Trinidadians can be found in every sphere of national life in the country.

Courts, Not Government, Allowed EMBD to Amend Case

Rowley stated that the courts, not his People’s National Movement (PNM) government, allowed EMBD to amend its case after the defendants asked for “further particulars.”

He said the matter had been heard through the different levels of the judicial system, even making its way to the Privy Council in London, and the judges have always ruled in favor of the EMBD.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit centers around contracts for the rehabilitation of roads and infrastructure conducted before the September 2015 general election.

The contractors seek over TT$200 million in balances owed for their respective contracts.

EMBD has counter-sued and is seeking $275 million plus interest and a series of declarations against the parties, including one on the illegality of the contracts.

Government’s Commitment

Concerning Moonilal, the Prime Minister chastised him for claiming that the government was weaponizing the judicial system against him.

He likened Moonilal’s claims to those of US President Donald Trump, who also accused the former administration of using the judicial.

Rowley said his government is committed to ridding the country of white-collar crime and will spare no expense to hold those who seek to misuse taxpayers’ funds accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister has reassured Indo-Trinidadians that there is no reason to fear the state’s targeting, and that the law will determine who is guilty of corruption. The government remains committed to ridding the country of white-collar crime and ensuring that those who misuse taxpayers’ funds are held accountable.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the lawsuit against EMBD?
The lawsuit centers around contracts for the rehabilitation of roads and infrastructure conducted before the September 2015 general election.
* What is the total amount sought by the contractors?
The contractors seek over TT$200 million in balances owed for their respective contracts.
* What is the government’s stance on corruption?
The government is committed to ridding the country of white-collar crime and will spare no expense to hold those who seek to misuse taxpayers’ funds accountable for their actions.