Lee Sing questions motives for no confidence vote, fears Landate issue will emerge

Louis Lee Sing: "Given the weak PNM team within the Parliament we will not only be outgunned, but outmatched."

A top member of the People's National Movement (PNM) is deeply concerned about the fallout from the no confidence motion filed against the Prime Minister by the Leader of the Opposition and has questioned the motives behind it.

According to the Trinidad Guardian, Port of Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing wrote to PNM Chairman Franklyn Khan last month suggesting that the motion could strengthen the PM’s hand and that Rowley could take a beating on the Landate issue.

Landate is a private housing development owned by Rowley's wife. There were allegations of corruption involving a government construction project and the Landate development.

Lee Sing's letter suggested that at the ground level PNM supporters are wondering if the motion amounts to "collusion" between Rowley and the Prime Minister.

“As preposterous as this sounds, it is a growing opinion outside the party which I believe I ought to bring to your attention,” Lee Sing's letter stated.

The Guardian said Lee Sing wanted the matter to be discussed at last Saturday’s PNM’s General Council but it didn't happen.

It said Lee Sing's letter was highly critical of the administration of the party, noting that the events of the last couple months “suggest to me the leadership of our party has elected to pursue an archaic and less than democratic approach to party governance.”

Lee Sing added: “I use the word ‘governance’ very deliberately to underscore that what you do within the party, it is very likely what you are likely to do if the future favours you and one day the party forms government.”

Lee Sing mentioned the recent General Council debate on the wearing of the Balisier Tie in which he said members were blocked from speaking on the matter.

Lee Sing did not get a chance to offer his opinion on the matter and walked out of the meeting.

The Port of Spain mayor accused Khan of being a part of a cabal concerned primarily casting out ‘Manning demons’.

Lee Sing said by shutting out members within the party Khan may creating opportunities for people to vent their concerns outside of the party.

“As I look at our party limp along within the Parliament it has much to do with Dr Rowley’s credibility as he is unable to take the risk in defending the party’s track which has much to defend,” Lee Sing wrote.

According to the Guardian, Lee Sing wants has called for answers on the following questions:

• What were the persuading arguments presented to inform a decision to move a vote of no-confidence in the Prime Minister? 
• Did the leadership/political leader believe this was the best time for such a motion given the upcoming UNC party’s elections? 
• Did the leadership/political leader give consideration that this move at this time could strengthen the Prime Minister’s hand as all (PP) members of Parliament are very likely to line up squarely behind the Prime Minister thus allowing her to have an easy passage in her party’s elections 
• That, it is very likely, that the political leader may take a beating as the Landate matter will surely be rekindled 
• That given the weak PNM team within the Parliament we will not only be outgunned, but outmatched