Moonilal scolds Rowley on book signing

The Oropouche East MP noted that the murder rate and other crimes are out of control, unemployment is at its highest, the economy has virtually collapsed and there is a foreign exchange crisis among other issues.

“... And yet he has taken time away from his desk to sit at a desk in the malls to sign books,” Moonilal said.

“I find that to be insensitive, if not plainly reckless and disrespectful to the country. When you should be managing the affairs of State, you are conducting private business.” Moonilal made the comments yesterday at his constituency office at Debe Junction in Debe when he distributed hampers to constituents as part of sharing in the joy of Christmas.

“I am sure if the Prime Minister decided to sign his book on evenings or the weekends, there will be a stampede to get into the malls to get his book. But he ought not to be doing it in this way.” Moonilal recalled that under the People’s Partnership administration, the then Opposition (now ruling party) “quarrelled” about then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar taking time out to distribute toys to children during the Christmas season.

“When we were in office, everyone wanted to know where we got money to do this and that. One will also be interested to know where they got money to publish the book. Publishing a book costs a significant amount of funds and who paid to publish this book?” Moonilal questioned.

Earlier addressing the recipients of the hampers, Moonilal asked them to pray for their country “for things to go good in the new year” and for all to be safe, among other things.

He noted that the hampers, donated by the business community free-of-charge, were tokens of appreciation.