Rowley wants report from Smith

The statement noted Smith and staff from his ministry went to attend the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Sport Awards at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort on May 20. Hours before this statement was released, Smith was approached by reporters after a joint select committee (JSC) meeting at Parliament.

Smith said he had already spoken about the matter.

Asked whether the Prime Minister had called him for details, Smith replied, “I have to go.” Reporters pursued Smith as he left, trying to ask him questions, but he repeated, “I have to go.” Smith’s JSC colleague Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial told reporters, “The evidence speaks for itself. I think there is a serious need for Cabinet and the Prime Minister to have some oversight over expenditure.” Ramdial said Government cannot be talking about trying to save money, “And have these exorbitant sums being spent on weekend getaways to Tobago.” On Tuesday, responding to the $92,000 bill for the Tobago trip, Smith said, “It was not a joyride, it was work.” He listed a visit to the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, discussions with THA Sport Secretary Jomo Pitt and the Youth Council for Tobago among his other activities while in Tobago.

Smith also said the invitation of three additional people to attend the awards function was above board.