PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The leader of the political party, Patriotic Front, Mickela Panday, is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to either name the Independent Senators she accused of seeking personal favours in exchange for legislative support, or withdraw the allegation entirely.
Panday said the Prime Minister’s comments, made in a social media post following the defeat of the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill, amount to a serious corruption accusation that cannot be left vague or unresolved.
In her post, Persad-Bissessar claimed, “During the debate, two of the President’s Senators approached a senior Government Senator seeking personal favours in exchange for support and for securing the remaining votes needed for passage. Those requests were rejected. From that moment, it was clear the Bill would not pass. They know who they are. They must live with that shame.”
The Prime Minister also added, “My Government will not buy votes. This is why I warn about the fake ‘eat-a-food’ elite. They do not care about decent, hardworking citizens, only self-interest and privilege.”
In response, Panday said the remarks go far beyond political rhetoric and strike at the integrity of Parliament.
“These are not casual remarks. They are a direct allegation that Independent Senators attempted to trade personal favours for legislative support,” Panday said.
The Patriotic Front leader added, “That is a serious claim and one that cannot responsibly be left vague. If the Prime Minister is asserting that public officials sought inducements in exchange for votes, then she must explain precisely what was requested and name those involved so the relevant authorities can properly assess the matter.”
According to Panday, under the Prevention of Corruption Act, corruptly soliciting a gift, loan, fee, or advantage as an inducement for a public officer to act, or refrain from acting, is a criminal offence.
“In Trinidad and Tobago, this is not a matter for insinuation or public shaming without accountability,” she said. “It applies to agents of the State and public bodies and carries penalties including significant fines and imprisonment.”
She added that if the Prime Minister has evidence, it must be presented to the relevant authorities rather than remain in the realm of social media commentary.
“If evidence exists, it must be presented. If individuals are involved, they must be identified. If a crime is alleged, it must be investigated,” Panday said.
“Until the Prime Minister provides specifics of what was requested, by whom, and when, this allegation remains unresolved and deeply troubling. Claims of corruption cannot live in social media posts. They belong in the light of accountability, evidence, and the rule of law.”
Panday said the country is now awaiting disclosure or clarification from the Prime Minister. “Name them or withdraw the allegation,” she added.
If proven, any attempt by a senator to seek personal favours in exchange for a vote could breach several laws in Trinidad and Tobago.
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