UNC to report Dhansook scandal to Canadian authorities

In his address at a United National Congress (UNC) public meeting at Montrose Junction, Chaguanas, on Friday, Singh said because Manning refused to refer the Dhansook bribery scandal to the police, the Opposition plans to ask the Canadian Minister of Justice investigate a Canadian multinational corporation linked to the scandal.

The Caroni East MP said he wondered whether the chairman or chief executive officer of the energy company were aware of alleged interference by the two senior Government Ministers in the awarding of the contract for Trinidad and Tobago’s largest 3D seismic project .

He said under Canadian law, significant fines and jail sentences of up to five years could be imposed on Canadian nationals who violate the law either in Canada or foreign countries.

Singh repeated calls for an investigation into the link between local energy services company, Maranatha Geophysical Services Limited, and Energy Minister Eric Williams. He said the company was awarded a multi-million dollar contract for seismic transcription services by another multi-national energy corporation.

He said Williams, like Dr Keith Rowley, who recently acknowledged a beneficial interest in a Tobago housing development project, must state his interest in the company.

"Rowley is involved in real estate, Rahael in pharmaceuticals, Chin Lee in transport and Williams in oil and gas. Thieves and bandits in the PNM," Singh declared.

"This is the corruption scandal of PNM big shots in the 21st century."

Also addressing the meeting was Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who added a new twist to the Dhansook affair by claiming that an affidavit signed by the Ecclesville councillor was prepared in the Attorney General’s office. She predicted sweeping changes at the AG’s office because of the Dhansook affair.

"This Government is steeped in corruption and now is the season to put Manning and the PNM on the run. We call on you Mr Manning to call the elections now," she said.

Also attending the meeting was UNC MPs Manohar Ramsaran, Hamza Rafeeq, Subhas Panday and Gerald Yetming.