Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is asking whether Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley can be charged for misbehaviour in public office. She did so as she kicked off the election campaign in the Chaguanas West constituency on Monday night. Addressing supporters at Felicity, Persad-Bissessar declared that Nomination Day for the July 29 by-election would be July 8. She urged her troops to band together under the UNC’s logo and to not get distracted by the machinations of the PNM.
Launching a scathing attack on Rowley, Persad-Bissessar said Rowley’s meeting with the head of the Integrity Commission, Ken Gordon, on May 15, was a violation of the commission’s rules. The meeting took place at Gordon’s home, five days before Rowley revealed 31 e-mails in Parliament which alleged wrongdoing on the part of Persad-Bissessar and two of her Cabinet ministers. However, Persad-Bissessar said this was a ploy to embarrass the Government.
“Dr Rowley was reckless and has compromised the office of the chairman of the Integrity Commission,” the PM said. “He misled the chairman of the IC. He lured him into a trap. He misrepresented the nature of his business as something that was so urgent that it could not wait until the following morning.
“He met with Gordon on May 15 and the motion of no-confidence debate did not start until May 20. This means that Dr Rowley had more than sufficient time to make a proper inquiry via a letter to the registrar of the Integrity Commission in accordance with the usual practice and procedure.”
Saying this secret meeting should not be taken lightly, Persad-Bissessar said: “This strikes at the very heart of our system of governance and the independence of our institutions in this country. I am of the view that the Opposition Leader acted improperly and in breach of established conventions.” She then asked her supporters whether Rowley should not be charged for misconduct in public office.
Persad-Bissessar also said many people, including former MP Jack Warner, were interested in contesting the Chaguanas West seat, but, she said, “The UNC will follow the party’s rules and the constitution in selecting a candidate. “We have already received several nominations. Persons who wish to be nominees should file their nominations in accordance with the UNC constitution at the Rienzi Complex on or before Friday 21st June, 2013, no later than 4 pm. Thereafter, screening will take place during the week of June 24.”
Urging her supporters to continue to contact her to give feedback about governance, Persad-Bissessar said HCU shareholders can expect their payouts soon. “I am pleased to tell you that as of May 31 this year, 17,201 persons had received all their money, which amounted to $130.6 million. “If your claim is below $75,000 and you have not received your money, you need to go and submit your request for payment at the Hindu Credit Union office in Chaguanas.
“In the second phase, persons who had more than $75,000 would receive their money. They would get cash up to $75,000 and 20-year coupon bonds from the Government.” Persad-Bissessar admitted that there were some legal issues yet to be resolved with the HCU, which were being addressed by Finance Minister Larry Howai. She also reiterated that UNC troops should be wary of the PNM’s plots to tarnish her reputation.