"PM can do what he wants...Kill the story!": Spirtual leader told Guardian reporter

Prime Minister Patrick Manning claimed that two journalists had a strong spiritual experience when they visited a church close to the controversial one now under construction in the Heights of Guanapo, Arima.

But according to the Trinidad Express, reporter Michelle Loubon and photographer Keith Matthews, of the Trinidad Guardian, said they went to Guanapo to do their job and nothing else.

And they have no idea what Manning was talking about.

Loubon wrote a story about a rift among members of the church known as the Light of This World Ministries, of which Juliana Pena was once a member. The report suggested that infighting caused Pena to leave the church.

Matthews categorically denied any spiritual experience.

"I don’t know what he talking about...he was not there so how could he know what happened or what we did," the Express quoted Matthews as saying.

Manning has challenged the journalists to write a full account within a week, saying he knows what transpired and can "audit" what they report.

What happened makes interesting reading.

The Guardian has published a first person account of what transpired during the assignment.

Loubon said she was told by spiritual leader Shirlain Fermin:

“Your job is a dangerous job. You have to write a report. But sometimes you might not come back...Keep it alone. Do not pursue it. God has a hand in it. Whatever we have told you, do not pursue it...

“PM can do what he wants. Anyone that riseth up against me will be brought to nothing...Kill the story’.”

Read the full account in the Trinidad Guardian