Robinson slams public disclosure of tax exemptions

FORMER President Arthur NR Robinson is of the view that the public disclosure of his request to Prime Minister Patrick Manning for various tax exemptions in purchasing two luxury vehicles was offensive. Robinson made the comment yesterday from his hospital bed at the Southern Medical Clinic where he was warded on Sunday night for bleeding along the urinary tract. Around 5.30 pm, the former President was visited by Prime Minister Patrick Manning, but both men chose not to comment on the matter. Robinson, who appeared to be resting comfortably, confirmed having sought Purchase and Value Added Tax waivers to purchase a luxury $1 million BMW and a $200,000 Toyota RAV4. Cabinet granted the request, which was presented to cabinet by PM Manning.

Robinson fell ill in Tobago at the Coco Reef Hotel where he was attending a private function to honour him staged by Trans-Global Communications. He reported having pains at 6.30 pm after which County Medical Officer of Health Dr Mentor Melville was seen being escorted to the hotel by police.  He reportedly attended to Robinson, who was flown by helicopter to San Fernando at 11.00 pm. On reaching Trinidad, he was immediately examined by consultant urologist Dr Lal Sawh. Yesterday, Sawh conducted a minor procedure to stop the bleeding and said that Robinson will continue to experience bleeding along the urinary tract as a result of radiation treatment he had many years ago on his bladder. Yesterday was the fourth occasion Robinson had to seek treatment at the clinic. He sought treatment twice when he was President.

Shortly after Manning left the clinic, Robinson spoke to the media and when asked about the purchase of the two vehicles he was seeking tax exemptions from, the former President said: “Yes, I’m aware of the matter being made public. It is accurate in most parts, but I think its imputations were offensive.” Robinson expressed gratitude to Manning for the visit saying that it was indeed kind of the Prime Minister. But the meeting, the former President said, was a private one which should not become a public matter. “Well you know prime ministers meeting with a former presidents is not a public matter. Conversations between me and the Prime Minister of the country or between me and the president of the country are between us,” Robinson said. After the visit, Manning declined as well to disclose the nature of his discussions with Robinson except to say that the former president was in high spirits. Manning said that like with all ex-presidents, the State will pay Robinson’s medical bills.