Sharma blasts PM over funding

Sharma said the current distribution of state funds for the event was reflective of the level of discrimination and racism in the country.

Saying that former Opposition Leader, Basdeo Panday, was correct in saying that this was the worst Indian Arrival Day celebrations, Sharma said Manning allocated $1 million to 126 groups to host yesterday’s celebrations.

Each group, he added, would have received less than $10,000.

Sharma added that a particular group in his constituency staged four major activities, including a massive cultural event and motorcade, to mark the auspicious occasion but only received $5,000 State funds.

“When the PNM have a little luncheon for 30 or 40 people it costs more that $5,000. “Manning is showing contempt to the East Indian community,” he added.

Claiming that a number of the groups which received money were PNM support groups, Sharma called on the Prime Minister to publish the names and addresses of the persons who obtained State funds and the venue where the celebrations were held.

“One of the things that will show, if it is done correctly, is that PNM party support groups used the money to host functions other than Indian Arrival Day celebrations and that is very unfair,” he said.

Sharma said that in other countries steps were taken to stop discrimination, which has resulted in bloodshed.

“I pray on this 161st Indian arrival day anniversary that this does not happen in Trinidad and Tobago and I call on Manning to immediately stop discrimination and apologise to the East Indian community.”