The leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) told reporters Monday his party is not taking a position at this time on statements by former Prime Minister Patrick Manning about the house that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is building in South Trinidad.
Manning continues to insist that the cost of the building is about $150 million although Persad-Bissessar has said it is a fraction of that - $3 million so far, with another half a million need to complete it.
Manning is also demanding that Persad-Bissessar reveal full details about the property, including dates on which plans were approved for the construction and evidence that the connections for utilities are above board.
Manning continues to insist that the cost of the building is about $150 million although Persad-Bissessar has said it is a fraction of that - $3 million so far, with another half a million need to complete it.
Manning is also demanding that Persad-Bissessar reveal full details about the property, including dates on which plans were approved for the construction and evidence that the connections for utilities are above board.
The Prime Minister has already made all this information public in media interviews. However she has promised to lay all the details in Parliament.
Manning is facing censure by Parliament over the issue. The government has accused him of deliberating misleading the House of Representatives to create mischief. The issue is expected to come up on Wednesday.
"Mr Manning is a very experienced Parliamentarian and I am sure he would be able to handle himself," Rowley said at a media conference.
Manning is facing censure by Parliament over the issue. The government has accused him of deliberating misleading the House of Representatives to create mischief. The issue is expected to come up on Wednesday.
"Mr Manning is a very experienced Parliamentarian and I am sure he would be able to handle himself," Rowley said at a media conference.
He also distanced the party from Manning's statements, saying Manning is responsible for the content of his speech on Friday at which he spoke about the house.
"I am in no position to say whether what he said is true or not. So I can't adjudicate on it, nor can the party headquarters. What we can say is that we stand by our Member of Parliament, assuming that he is responsible and well-informed," Rowley said.
He added that he had no prior knowledge or consultation with Manning on the subject of his speech. However he said that is not unusual.
"I am in no position to say whether what he said is true or not. So I can't adjudicate on it, nor can the party headquarters. What we can say is that we stand by our Member of Parliament, assuming that he is responsible and well-informed," Rowley said.
He added that he had no prior knowledge or consultation with Manning on the subject of his speech. However he said that is not unusual.
"Mr Manning is a Member of Parliament...(and he) can choose to raise whatever he wants to raise," Rowley said, noting that the actions of any MP are governed by the parliamentary Standing Orders.
He added, "Members of Parliament are required to defend themselves for individual conduct and the party will support what is defensible and will not support what is indefensible". He said if the matter goes before the Privilege Committee, it would be a matter for the Parliament.
Rowley reminded reporters of the accusations made against him by former MP Ganga Singh about the Landate controversy in which he was wrongly accused of removing material from the Scarborough hospital project to a private housing development owned by his wife.
He said at the time Persad-Bissessar, who was in opposition, took Singh's statement as "gospel" and treated him like a criminal.
"I am not saying it is right to accuse anybody without being able to substantiate it. I am simply saying that the boot is now on another foot and I hope she (Persad-Bissessar) now understands what it feels like to be so accused," Rowley said.
He added, "Members of Parliament are required to defend themselves for individual conduct and the party will support what is defensible and will not support what is indefensible". He said if the matter goes before the Privilege Committee, it would be a matter for the Parliament.
Rowley reminded reporters of the accusations made against him by former MP Ganga Singh about the Landate controversy in which he was wrongly accused of removing material from the Scarborough hospital project to a private housing development owned by his wife.
He said at the time Persad-Bissessar, who was in opposition, took Singh's statement as "gospel" and treated him like a criminal.
"I am not saying it is right to accuse anybody without being able to substantiate it. I am simply saying that the boot is now on another foot and I hope she (Persad-Bissessar) now understands what it feels like to be so accused," Rowley said.
The United National Congress (UNC) has condemned Manning for his attacks on Persad-Bissessar stating that the party is fully behind its leader in this matter.
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