Rowley was briefed on the plot Friday by Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn Richardson. He held a media briefing after that and told reporters he remains unconvinced that there is a plot and suggested instead that it was a move to extend the current State of Emergency beyond the end date of December 5.
He said the government is frightened that the labour movement would shut down the country and has come up with "this story about an assassination plot, which cannot stand public scrutiny.”
Rolwey said he is not prepared to breach the confidential details of the alleged plot. However he noted that he is "not satisfied that the Government’s action in the last 24 hours was in the nation’s best interest."
He added, "The Government’s action is hysterical, political expediency and if I am to determine a motive, it is my view that the overriding motive is aimed at extending a state of emergency in a few days.”
Rowley insisted that Minister of National Security John Sandy must inform the national population of the facts about the Prime Minister’s claim that the death threats were made by drug lords.
He refused to accept what he called "unexplained nebulous threat known only to the political directorate, which will be kept secret while they put the country through anxiety and trauma and tarnish the country’s public image."
He refused to accept what he called "unexplained nebulous threat known only to the political directorate, which will be kept secret while they put the country through anxiety and trauma and tarnish the country’s public image."
He said Sandy should "provide the country with satisfactory and believable information to justify the actions that the Government has taken on this matter.”
Rowley added that it is not acceptable for the Prime Minister "who has a political interest in furthering this matter, to be the spokesperson and advocate for this unidentifiable threat.” He insisted that the Government owes an explanation to the country "for the actions of the prime minister,” he added.
“In the face of a nebulous threat of assassination, we are portrayed to the world as a sand-bagged country...with armed-to-the-teeth snipers on to the Prime Minister’s roof.”
Rowley added that it is not acceptable for the Prime Minister "who has a political interest in furthering this matter, to be the spokesperson and advocate for this unidentifiable threat.” He insisted that the Government owes an explanation to the country "for the actions of the prime minister,” he added.
“In the face of a nebulous threat of assassination, we are portrayed to the world as a sand-bagged country...with armed-to-the-teeth snipers on to the Prime Minister’s roof.”
He said the claim of reprisal by criminals does not square with the information. adding that "It is the PNM’s view that what we are dealing with is a police investigation. And we make a clear distinction between information, evidence, arrest, charge and prosecution.”
Rowley also pledged to "vigorously oppose" any attempt to etend the State of Emergency, saying the opposition would "stand and accuse the Government of abusing its authority with respect to the state of emergency powers.”
In response to Rowley's statements the Prime Minister told state-owned CNMG news it seems the opposition leader has no confidence in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Rowley also pledged to "vigorously oppose" any attempt to etend the State of Emergency, saying the opposition would "stand and accuse the Government of abusing its authority with respect to the state of emergency powers.”
In response to Rowley's statements the Prime Minister told state-owned CNMG news it seems the opposition leader has no confidence in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
She added, "Secondly, he has no confidence in the intelligence gathering, and thirdly, in their recommendation. Whatever action that has been taken, has been taken by the Protective Services based on the intelligence that they received.
"Therefore it is most unfortunate because it means that this lack of confidence, should Dr. Rowley become the Prime Minister, we could see that he will not heed the intelligence and recommendations of the Protective Services."
She expressed confidence in the law enforcement personnel and stated that the government does not, at this time, have any plans to extend the State of Emergency beyond December.
CLICK HERE to Watch a report broadcast on CNC3 television
She expressed confidence in the law enforcement personnel and stated that the government does not, at this time, have any plans to extend the State of Emergency beyond December.
CLICK HERE to Watch a report broadcast on CNC3 television
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