PNM: Corruption also a crime

THE PNM has not failed in the fight against crime because corruption is also a manifestation of criminal activity and Government’s efforts on that front has been bearing fruit. This was the analysis offered by PNM vice-chairman John Donaldson at the party’s post-General Council news conference at Balisier House on Sunday. Asked to comment on the latest NACTA poll which gave the PNM a low score in fighting crime compared to a high score for dealing with corruption in public office, Donaldson (a former national security minister) said: “Corruption is also crime. We speak of different types of crime.” Several persons (including two former government ministers) and companies are currently before the court on corruption charges related to the Piarco Airport develop-ment project and investigations into other areas of alleged  corruption under the former UNC government are ongoing.

Donaldson said he had no idea whether Government would convince Independent Senators to support the Police Reform Bills when they are debated in the Senate on June 29. “I wish everybody would support what is finally put together in the Parliament,” he stated. Donaldson said the General Council did not discuss anti-crime talks between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday. On Sunday, Panday hinted that this meeting could occur at least 72 hours before the legislation is debated. Donaldson also said the General Council received a report from a committee mandated to offer anti-crime recommendations to the Government and that committee is currently obtaining that information from PNM supporters in all 36 constituencies in Trinidad and Tobago.