Garcia: Bring EFCL evidence

Garcia made this statement in response to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark in the Senate. Referring to a May 21 Sunday Express article in which the claims were made, Garcia said, “At this stage, the matter can only be treated as allegations in the absence of fact.

“If Senator Mark can provide me with hard facts that are in his possession, I will be very happy to ensure that an investigation is conducted.” Mark asked Garcia if he was disputing or dismissing the article.

The minister reiterated, “At this stage they are only allegations, I have no evidence.” Mark then asked Garcia if he was prepared to initiate legal action against the Trinidad Express, “for falsely misleading the nation on this matter.” Senate President Christine Kangaloo disallowed that question, telling Mark it did not arise.

Later in the sitting, as he opened debate on a motion on parliamentary autonomy, Mark called for the EFCL to be brought before the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on State Enterprises to answer the questions which Garcia did not.

The chairman of that JSC, Independent Senator David Small, was not in the Parliament Chamber when Mark made the call.