Keith Rowley told reporters on Monday he is going to ask the Integrity Commission to look the cost of travel for the Prime Minister's sister.
The Government of Trinidad & Tobago spent $868,268.11 on Vidwattie Newton's travel and other associated costs between June 1st, 2010 and March 31st, 2012. Newton is not an employee of the government but offers her services to her sister without charge.
The opposition leader said he is taking action "so that the Commission can determine after its own investigation whether this $800,000 was properly spent with the proper authority. We will advance the questions, answers and the public utterances (of the Prime Minister on the matter)."
In March, when the opposition first raised the issue of Newton's travel Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a formal statement explaining the circumstances under which her sister travels with her.
"It should be noted that Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar had the option of formally employing her sister Ms. Newton as a member of her personal staff.
"She refused to do so to avoid any allegations of nepotism in consequence of which Ms. Newton receives no salary from the state. Moreover, such employment would essentially be for fixed hours and a fixed work week in keeping with industrial relations practice.
"Ms. Vidwati Newton is a qualified nurse with many years experience. She is responsible for the Prime Minister's diet, medication, exercise, wardrobe and other health related and personal issues.
"It is quite reasonable for the Honourable Prime Minster to trust and rely upon her sister for this level of personal care and attention. It should be noted as well that this support is provided on a continuous basis literally, as and when required.
"It was not unexpected that the election of a woman as Prime Minister would necessitate some changes in the arrangements for accommodation and personal travel.
"The official residence for example must be configured to meet the familial needs of the office holder. Many personal issues unique to a woman warrant the involvement of a close and trusted assistant.
"This, more so, on occasions of official foreign travel when the hectic schedule and frenetic pace demands the Honourable Prime Minister’s undivided attention without the distraction of critical personal care.
"In the circumstances, the criticism of the decisions of Cabinet to have Ms.Vidwati Newton accompany the Prime Minister on some of her more demanding overseas state visits is unjustified, ill-conceived and totally without merit.
"It fails to appreciate the human and practical side of the hectic life and schedule of the nation’s first woman Prime Minister. It must be reiterated as well, that there exists ample precedent of personal staff accompanying past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
"This Government reaffirms its commitment to the principles of transparency and integrity in public life."
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| File: PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her sister Vidwattie Newton |
The opposition leader said he is taking action "so that the Commission can determine after its own investigation whether this $800,000 was properly spent with the proper authority. We will advance the questions, answers and the public utterances (of the Prime Minister on the matter)."
In March, when the opposition first raised the issue of Newton's travel Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a formal statement explaining the circumstances under which her sister travels with her.
"It should be noted that Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar had the option of formally employing her sister Ms. Newton as a member of her personal staff.
"She refused to do so to avoid any allegations of nepotism in consequence of which Ms. Newton receives no salary from the state. Moreover, such employment would essentially be for fixed hours and a fixed work week in keeping with industrial relations practice.
"Ms. Vidwati Newton is a qualified nurse with many years experience. She is responsible for the Prime Minister's diet, medication, exercise, wardrobe and other health related and personal issues.
"It is quite reasonable for the Honourable Prime Minster to trust and rely upon her sister for this level of personal care and attention. It should be noted as well that this support is provided on a continuous basis literally, as and when required.
"It was not unexpected that the election of a woman as Prime Minister would necessitate some changes in the arrangements for accommodation and personal travel.
"The official residence for example must be configured to meet the familial needs of the office holder. Many personal issues unique to a woman warrant the involvement of a close and trusted assistant.
"This, more so, on occasions of official foreign travel when the hectic schedule and frenetic pace demands the Honourable Prime Minister’s undivided attention without the distraction of critical personal care.
"In the circumstances, the criticism of the decisions of Cabinet to have Ms.Vidwati Newton accompany the Prime Minister on some of her more demanding overseas state visits is unjustified, ill-conceived and totally without merit.
"It fails to appreciate the human and practical side of the hectic life and schedule of the nation’s first woman Prime Minister. It must be reiterated as well, that there exists ample precedent of personal staff accompanying past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
"This Government reaffirms its commitment to the principles of transparency and integrity in public life."
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