AG wants quick action on Guanapo Church; Manning shuns media

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan wants an early investigation into former Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s involvement in the Heights of Guanapo church project.

Manning has always insisted that he was not involved in the church which is linked to his spiritual adviser, Rev Juliana Pena.

Shanghai Construction, which built the Prime Minister's residence and diplomatics centre, had been engaged to build the church.

On May 15, then opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar produced documents linking Manning and former UDeCOTT executive chairman Calder Hart to the church.

Manning denied any involvement and even suggested that Hart might have been involved in a private capacity.

But Persad-Bissessar noted that correspondence to Hart from architect Stephen Mendes was directed to Hart in his capacity as head of UDeCOTT.

Mendes stated in a sworn document published Sunday in the Express newspaper that the "PM" mentioned in his correspondence to Hart was Manning and not a project manager as Manning has suggested.

Ramlogan wants action in light of the new evidence against Manning.

He told the Trinidad Guardian, “Remember the matter is already before the Integrity Commission. Over a month has passed,” he said and expressed concern over "the inefficiency and lackadaisical attitude of the Integrity Commission" in the matter.

The matter has also been reported to the acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert and Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, asking for for a criminal probe.

Ramlogan told the Guardian, "I find the pace of the investigation is too slow. Allegations of corruption against a public official must be expeditiously investigated, so the public can be vindicated...public confidence can be damaged if we allow it to drag on endlessly.”

He said the Integrity Commission has "ample powers and they have never raised their voices about the lack of resources. Yet still, they have never informed the public about the state of the investigation and when they could expect closure. These are matters that require a change in attitude."

For his part, Manning is staying far from reporters following the disclosure by Architect Stephen Mendes that Manning was directly involved in planning the constorversial Guanapo Church.

Manning told reporters Sunday he is not bothering anybody and they should leave him alone.

"Folks, I am in my house. I am not interfering with anybody, and there is no need for you to be here...I wish you all well, folks. Enjoy the rest of your day,” The Trinidad Guardian quoted Manning as telling its reporters.