Rowley says he's facing bankruptcy because of legal action by AG against him

File: PNM Leader Keith Rowley

Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley told reporters Monday various legal actions brought against him by Attorney-General Anand Ramlogan could force him into bankruptcy. 

Rowley made the point at a media briefing at his official office. He noted that there are several legal issues that he has raised in his official capacity that requires legal representation. These include:

• The AG’s role and conduct in the extradition process for businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh
• The role or lack thereof of the Financial Intelligence Unit
• The significant increases in the allocation to the AG to engage in legal actions and the need for transparency and accountability in the process 

Rowley said while Ramlogan is using State resources to take legal action, he is required to use his personal resources because Parliament does not provide money for that purpose. 

“So I, in the requirement of discharging my duty without fear or favour, I am in danger of bankruptcy,” he said. “If the AG wants to sue me in his private capacity as Anand Ramlogan suing Keith Rowley, fine, the court will determine that,” he added. 

He accused Ramlogan of using his ministerial office “to seek to intimidate me and I have to respond in my private capacity.” He insisted that his office does not have a public budget and Parliament “will not provide a legal defence for me and therefore everytime he files a suit, I have to find a lawyer.”

Rowley also accused the government of illegally spying on people, saying he has "signficant information" to support his allegations. However he did nopt provide any of it to the media.

The former administration of which Rowley was a part was engaged in illegal spying of private citizens, top state officials - including MPs and the President - as well as journalists. 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar exposed that practice and shut down the agency that was involved in the illegal activity.