Dhansook a no-show at Integrity Commission seminar

Although notified of the visit by the commission members, Dhansook stayed away. He has also absented himself from the last statutory meeting of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Corporation where he is one of two PNM councillors. Asked why he boycotted the meeting with the Integrity commission, Dhansook said, "I have no comment on that."

Corporation chairman, Ramlochan Panchoo, however, noted that, "it was extremely fruitful and beneficial. The seminar was not mandatory, but left up to individual councillors on whether you need assistance in filling out the forms."

The next meeting of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Corporation will be held next week Wednesday, and yesterday Panchoo said, "If you do not attend three consecutive statutory meetings, then the council would have to take action. The seat would be declared vacant unless he has a written approval informing the council that he would be away (out of the country)," Panchoo said.

Dhansook’s other PNM councillor colleague in the MRC, Matthew Pierre, attended yesterday’s seminar. He declined comment on Dhansook’s absence.

The seminar was held at the Princes Town Regional Corporation offices and was attended by councillors in the PTRC and MRC. Dhansook is the PNM councillor for Ecclesville/Mayaro, whose bribery allegations against resigned Works Minister Franklin Khan and Energy Minister Eric Williams, have resulted in Prime Minister Partrick Manning referring the matter to the Integrity Commission.

The commission’s officers arrived at the PTRC’s offices around 9 am, and offered advice to councillors. Both the PTRC and MRC are controlled by the Opposition United National Congress. The two-hour long session was attended by commission attorney, former Sgt Dinidath Ramkissoon.

Dhansook’s allegations of bribery have caused the resignation of Franklin Khan, former Minister of Works. Energy Minister, Eric Williams, who was also accused of taking bribes, has not resigned.