It seems the police were unprepared when they questioned Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley at 11.30 am yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of e-mails from addresses in the name of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and key government ministers in the Section 34 fiasco. Rowley, the first to be interviewed, met with Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn Richardson at the Opposition’s office, Charles Street, Port-of-Spain.
Representing Rowley was public relations officer of the PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi who said it was clear the police did not do their homework as they had not read Rowley’s contribution in Parliament. He said during the meeting the officers said they would be attempting to get Rowley’s contribution from Parliament. Asked what did the police base their questions on Al-Rawi said: “They (police) admitted they did not read what Dr Rowley said and it would appear their questioning was based on anecdotal information at best.”
He said the meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half, was also attended by Supt Nanan, Insp Sylvester and WPC Maynard-Wilson of the Police Service IT Division. Describing the meeting as cordial, Al-Rawi said Rowley told the officers he would also be willing to answer further questions if the need arose. “Dr Rowley indicated he would be pleased to co-operate expeditiously as he was anxious to ensure the investigation was as transparent as possible,” Al-Rawi said.
Saying he could not disclose what was asked by the police, Al-Rawi said the Opposition maintained its call for independent foreign investigators. When asked what was the timeframe for the investigation, he said the police said they would be “moving with alacrity.” Contacted about the meeting Rowley said: “Well what can I tell you? I met with him (Richardson). He asked me some questions and there were some questions which I could have answered and there were some which I could not have answered.”
Rowley refused to say what were the questions. At a press briefing on Monday Rowley had said: “I want to make it quite clear for those who believe that this meeting with Mr Richardson is somehow advancing the investigation, I have said all that I have to say on the content of the matter in the Parliament.” When contacted Richardson said he was in a briefing and could not comment.
