There was a sarcastic chorus of disappointment from PNM’s Parliamentary frontbenchers yesterday when it was announced Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar was absent.
There was none over the fact that embattled PNM MP Marlene McDonald was also absent from her last seat on PNM’s backbench to which she’s been relegated (again) following recent corruption charges. Both may have wanted to avoid the spotlight but their absence only served to reinforce it after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley recently “outed” Persad-Bissessar as tipping off McDonald about her recent arrest. And Persad-Bissessar’s remained mum.
It’s not the first time “arrest” hints have flowed in/out of Parliament. In 2010, allegations surfaced about the “arrest” of a former minister concerning a Cayman Islands bank account. Rowley denied he had any such account. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi recently hinted at charges for people in a police probe regarding legal fees. In October 2017, Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis read out a search warrant regarding UNC’s Roodal Moonilal, purportedly regarding investigation of EMBD contracts. His complaint to the Police Complaints Authority yielded reply that the PCA couldn’t verify authenticity of her document or locate police leak. “No-one’s searched my premises,” Moonilal added yesterday.
McDonald’s may be the first matter recently where a tip materialised so quickly - possibly triggering implications. As Government well knows. The Proceeds of Crime Act Section 51 (1/6) indicates tipping off is an offence in money laundering matters: if a person knows/suspects police are doing/planning such a probe and discloses to another, information that may prejudice it. One of McDonald’s seven charges concerns alleged money laundering.
Top police said yesterday if McDonald’s claim was true, criminal offence could arise and while casual banter may not meet POCA’s threshold, serious warning would - therefore questions need to be answered ahead.
Apart from who’ll profit (or lose) politically from Rowley’s revelation, McDonald’s unhappy with Parliament talk on the matter. She says, “I never expected it to reach here...”
She’s wondering how Rowley got the information since she said she only spoke to Al-Rawi and Security’s Stuart Young. McDonald last spoke to Rowley around 11.15 pm on August 10 when she was being charged and he’d informed her of removal from Cabinet. Nothing since. She says she remains committed to PNM but lawyers have banned her from further statements.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s preparing for bigger-Budget-statements; particularly necessary since Government’s fourth anniversary has seen less than favourable public feedback, an indictment on PNM management. His October Budget, coming soon after the term’s last year begins - after September 27 - will be the first business for the crucial period when Local Government and general elections are expected. And a “gamechanger” package will be required.
Recent announcement of the date allows a month for feedback on what sectors want in this package, which will be scrutinised more than previous Budgets due to elections. It may therefore hold manifesto underpinnings and spend more than previously; a trend started with the 2019 Budget of $51 billion - his highest.
Budgets 2016-19 carrying themes from “Restoring Confidence, Rebuilding Trust” to “Turnaround” and geared towards improvements, clearly haven’t lifted the flat economy, judging from recent business calls for a recovery plan. The 2020 package will have to ensure targets on which previous Budgets failed, especially since 2019’s “game-changers” - Sandals and Dragon Field gas - tanked and movement is yet to be seen on others.
Imbert’s May review gave assurances on discharging arrears to suppliers/contractors and on VAT refunds. An announcement is expected on a lessor/buyer for the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery and Paria Fuel Trading company. Yesterday, Imbert said the committee making recommendations is expected to report next week. Word is also expected on the future of Petrotrin’s club, hospital and other assets.
How much the tax amnesty has yielded may be known, along with an operator for Tobago’s Magdalena hotel. Several Budget 2019 plans are located in key marginal constituencies. But apart from rollout of highways, roads, etc, to be seen is how Imbert will balance electioneering with upcoming startup of property tax, T&T Revenue Authority and gaming regulation promised in Budget 2019. Next: how Budget contents develop.