Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed the hampers Thursday and invited all the MPs to hand them out to their constituents. But Rowley refused to accept the gifts, saying the 12 PNM MPs would not participate in what he called an abuse of public funds.
Rowley also claimed that the christmas gifts were part of a government publc relations program with which he did not wish to have his party associated.
Read the story: PM Kamla hands out Christmas hampers to needy; Rowley refuses to participate
In a media release Friday afternoon, the Chaguanas West MP and UNC Chairman slammed Rowley for failing to view anything the People's Partnership government proposes outside the realm of politisation.
"Dr. Rowley’s ranting...is indicative of not only his lack of caring for the families of this nation but also his lack of understanding of the level of poverty that is facing our society," Warner said.
"His own insensitivity will deprive hundreds of needy families, the opportunity of receiving assistance during this Yuletide Season, and his action reveals the one who is really politicising this benevolence. It certainly it is not the Honourable Prime Minister."
Warner said while he has no problems with Rowley raising questions concerning the funding of this initiative or his query concerning who received the large cheques to buy food he is conerned that "families who are in desperate need of these hampers will be deprived of receiving them."
He had some advice for then leader of the People's National Movement (PNM).
"Dr Rowley needs to take a closer look at his own politics when he speaks. Of course, the PNM never undertook to treat children in such a magnanimous way during their stay in office. For this I say, how sad.
"They never understood the true meaning of Christmas and God's benevolence in giving his only Son. Of course, the devil may have accused God of politicising.
Warner also took a turn on the opposition leader for the waste under the government of which rowley was a part.
"Dr. Rowley needs to recognise that the vast sums of money that was wasted on projects such as NAPA, the unfinished Brian Lara Stadium, Patrick’s palace, to name a few," he said.
The Works and transport Minister added that "had these billions of dollars been used to provide sustainable development for the people of this country" it would have "gone a long way towards poverty alleviation".
He also criticised Rowley for so far failing to call on the former Manning government "to account for the OPV’s on which they wasted millions of dollars, the Su that was purchased and was of no value to the families of this country and the Summits for which we are still waiting to see a benefit for the national community."
He added, "But as soon as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar seeks to offer relief to give families a Merry Christmas, the only thing Dr. Rowley sees is politics.
"Shame on you Dr. Rowley and I hope that the PNM Members of Parliament are not so insensitive to follow your call.
"You feel you should not go down to Preysal to collect the hampers then ask for them to be sent to Balisier House, but please stop your selfishness. Stop your foolishness now!" Warner declared.
"I am...asking you to rethink your position but if you insist, then shame on you."
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