MSJ knocks Opposition on seabridge issue

In a statement, Abdulah reiterated that only the appointment of a special prosecutor will get to the root of this problem and solve it.

Referring to calls from Persad-Bissessar and other people to either have the police or the Integrity Commission investigate this matter, Abdulah said both organisations have proven themselves incapable of performing such an investigation.

He said the police on its own, has “totally failed” in its responsibility to investigate several instances of white- collar crime.

Abdulah said the Commission has also demonstrated that it cannot be, “the port of call to deal with corruption probes.” He added, “A COE is a time consuming process from which only the attorneys seem to benefit.” Abdulah said a special prosecutor will have legal investigative powers; access to forensic and other investigators and work with a specially selected and trusted team of police officers.

He said this, “is the way to go.” He warned the possibilities for conflicts of interests on the part of Mouttet could be “immense.” Abdulah claimed any report which Mouttet submits to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in 30 days time will lack credibility. He said the MSJ regrets that the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is yet to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the plethora of corruption allegations which plagued Persad-Bissessar’s former administration over the last five years.

He claimed the appointment of Mouttet shows that the PNM, like the United National Congress before it, intends, “at all costs to maintain the status quo.” Abdulah said this status quo consists of a system of powerful business interests and the financiers of both parties. He called upon citizens to,”reject this status quo, reject this broken system.”