Public relations officer of the People’s National Movement, Senator Faris Al-Rawi, yesterday said Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley had more reason to fear for the integrity of the police probe into the e-mail fiasco, after his initial interview with the police earlier this week. He said the police did not seem to be acting independently in the matter. To support his argument, Al-Rawi played part of the interview involving Rowley and the police to members of the media.
Al-Rawi, who is Rowley’s attorney, was in the interview, which was headed by Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn Richardson. Also present were Supt Nanan, Insp Sylvester and WPC Maynard-Wilson. The interview was conducted at the Opposition’s office and Dr Rowley was the first to be interviewed. Following is the excerpt of the interview Al-Rawi played, when Sylvester asked Rowley if the police could look at his computer:
Rowley: My computer? What for?
Sylvester: It is just a matter of checking and ensuring that all was well to clear his (Rowley’s) good name.
Al-Rawi: Why is his (Rowley’s) name in question?
Sylvester: I am not saying that his name is in question. I am just saying...
Al-Rawi: May I answer that question? As and when you provide a basis as to why he should do that we would be willing to consider.
Richardson: It’s just that in the context that it have this e-mails...electronic...
Al-Rawi: As and when you provide that information we would consider it.
Rowley: Just remember the last thing I told you. In the event that I find myself under investigation I will most certainly co-operate with any request that you may want to make of me. If that is determined that I am under investigation. I still remain a Member of Parliament who took an issue to the Parliament. If it is that I am under investigation then you proceed accordingly.
Al-Rawi: What do you anticipate the time span for your investigation to involve?
Richardson: Because of what the issues that are involved here and the seriousness of the allegations, I think it is necessary that we move with alacrity to have this done. To that extent—I can’t say in a week or two weeks—but once we have the co-operation and the goodwill of persons willing to assist the police...
Al-Rawi: In assisting you when computer information is taken, as you may or may not write to Dr Rowley for that request, who will be organising that information?
Richardson: We have experts on the matter and we may or may not seek external advice.
Rowley: My advice to you is if you need to make a request of me and that request is in writing, do it as quickly as possible. If the request is made today you will get a response today...as soon as we get something in writing I will respond.
Al-Rawi: We will look at it as quickly as we can. While my leader is this quick to answer, I, as counsel, like the benefit of reflection. (See Page A5)