Forget issues such as the Udecott scandal and the mysterious Pentecostal church going up at the Heights of Guanapo, the ruling People's National Movement (PNM) will retain office in the May 24 general election. This is the confident prediction of Information Minister Neil Parsanlal, who is defending his seat–Lopinot/Bon Air West–in the snap poll. Parsanlal argues that Prime Minister Patrick Manning has answered all questions related to this church being built on former state lands at a cost of $30 million.
Q: Mr Parsanlal, with all the negatives swirling around the People's National Movement, what are the chances of your party retaining office in the May 24 general election?
A:(A sombre expression at his Dinsley sub-office in his constituency last week): Our chances of returning to government are excellent. We have done sufficient work in all areas, and certainly in terms of the way we manage the country. In fact, Clevon, the only alternative to the PNM is the PNM.
Despite the feeling that this PNM administration is under the most public pressure than any other preceding regime?
Well, what are those issues?
There are several, and if we could start with...?
(Interjecting) Let's take Udecott.
Remember Dr Rowley said this would be the Udecott election?
Ok! Let's deal with Udecott then. You had a situation where many allegations were made about the corporation, its operations and about its former executive chairman, Calder Hart. The Government was the one who instituted the commission of inquiry.
But wasn't this done only after Opposition MP Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj produced certain evidence in the Parliament which forced Manning to concede the inquiry?
Government moved immediately to appoint the inquiry. It made sure it was televised live; its report was tabled in the Parliament without changing one comma. That was responsible government, and we have said at this stage if anybody has to make a jail "make your jail..."
How are you dealing with the negative perceptions of Calder Hart leaving the country immediately after Mr Manning had a discussion with the AG, based on the report of the Uff Commission of Inquiry?
That question doesn't arise, Clevon. It isn't a question of him "dussing it" and going off to Panama. He has been constantly available to the police. The police themselves said so, not the Government.
But Mr Parsanlal, the police told us they made several unsuccessful attempts to get him at his home for questioning, until he decided to come back home at his own convenience?
(Protesting) That is the media. You see, there are persons in the media who have their own stories; they create their own stories and then they run after their own stories.
Mr Parsanlal, that is a very serious allegation you are making. You were once a reporter at the Guardian, and are you honestly saying there are journalists who create their own stories for some sort of agenda?
But if it is that the acting Police Commissioner is saying to the national community that we can reach Mr Hart as and when he is required...He is saying that, and yet still there are reporters who are saying that is not true. Who do we believe?
Is the public wrong to arrive at any conclusions, after Hart left the country immediately after Mr Manning spoke to him after he (Manning) was told by the AG that Hart probably had a case to answer?
As far as Government is concerned, this Udecott matter is being handled properly. Everything is in the hands of the police. They would deal with what they have to do and we would deal with things like strengthening the procurement procedures and things like that.
On that sore point, when would Government implement the new procurement procedures for which people like Transparency and the construction sector have been asking for such a long time?
The impression that is being given by some people is there is no procurement policy at all. This is not so; that is not true...
I don't have enough space, so let's move on. One of the PNM's themes in this campaign is that the UNC's regime was the most corrupt. If you can take off your PNM hat for one minute and be objective, do you really believe that?
(Half smiling): I believe so, and I can tell you to ask anybody to tell me which minister they can point to in this administration that has been charged for corruption. Let me ask another question: Has any current minister been identified in the UFF report as being involved in corruption? The answer is no. You have a previous administration...
Is it fair, Mr Parsanlal, to go back to a previous administration, when the same could be done to a previous PNM?
(Interrupting in a pleading tone) You asked the question. Compare both governments, Clevon. I am responding to your question.
Aren't you being a bit disingenuous, in that certain persons are no longer playing any major role in the present UNC?
Are they? (Fingers pressed at the edge of his desk and leaning forward).
I am not seeing them around.
But they are still part of the coalition that is coming forward. (Name one former UNC minster now before the court), he is still around. Basdeo Panday is there.
Anyway, Panday is not part of this new dispensation, so let's move on. The church, Mr Parsanlal, the church. Are you still contending there are no more questions to be asked in this unsettling issue?
The Prime Minister has answered every single question.
I am submitting to you that that is not so?
What is the question that has not been answered (Arms folded on chest).
Why did he visit the construction site since he said he had no personal interest in the church?
(Indignant expression) The Prime Minister indicated, and I agree, that he is free to visit any part of Trinidad and Tobago he wants; the Prime Minister visits temples, Catholic church....
Take yourself out of being a Cabinet member, and answer why wasn't the media invited to cover that occasion?
(A heavy sigh) Clevon, I can't do that. I cannot ask you not to be a media person. And the Prime Minister does not invite the media everywhere he goes. He admitted in the Parliament he visited the area. What more is there to answer? He made it clear the State has no part in that church, except to grant it the land on which it is being built.
Oh! Really? What about the Chinese construction company which came here to carry out government building projects and somehow managed to get a lucrative private project, namely the church at the Heights of Guanapo?
(An uneasy stare) I wonder why, Clevon, that question is not being asked of the owner of the church?
We have been trying to find her, and so far no luck. Can I ask you to use your good office and arrange an interview with the Prime Minister, so we can ask him those questions?
(Quickly responding) But the Prime Minister has answered those questions already. I want to challenge the media; why have the media not attempted to find the owner of the church or the construction company, instead of trying to pin it on the Government?
Isn't the visit to the site by the Prime Minister enough reason?
As simple as that. The Prime Minister visited Trinity Cathedral recently. Is it that anything the Anglican Church does now he will be asked about it?
All things taken into consideration, Mr Parsanlal, is this the greatest electoral challenge facing the PNM?
Of course, I cannot speak for the entire life of the party, but in my estimation, yes; it is a challenge; it is going to be a challenge.
But I am confident, Clevon, that going back to the polls at this time is the best option for us, and that we will emerge victorious.