Rowley wants independent probe into SoE, assassination plot

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said Wednesday he wants Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to establish an independent inquiry into an alleged plot to kill her. 

And he called the government's handling of the state of emergency and alleged plot as “the worst public misconduct” in the Trinidad & Tobago.  

“This is the basis on which we are saying that the behaviour of the officers involved in this requires the attention of investigative institutions,” he added.

He wants Persad-Bissessar “to appoint an independent inquirer into this matter of the assassination plot and the role of the security services, viz-a-viz, herstatement of November 24." 

He added, “Persad-Bissessar confirmed the alleged plot to kill her, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Housing and the Environment Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma.” 

Rowley also he will send a copy of a November 23 police evaluation document,  to President George Maxwell Richards and the Integrity Commission to determine its authenticity.

Noting that the President is Commander in Chief of the armed forces, he asked:

• Was the President informed about this plot?
• Was he part of or involved in the calling up of army reserves in response to a non-existing plot?
• What was the role of the President in this?

Rowley said his specific allegations against the high-ranking Government officials “require an involvement of the Integrity Commission to see whether those officials acted within the ethical code of the letter and spirit of the Integrity in Public Life Act.” 

He said the Government has “crossed the line this time and it requires a proper investigation by whatever authority we have.” Rowley also again called for the resignation of National Security Minister John Sandy.