Video captured by Guardian Media
By Prior Beharry
THE sucking of teeth (steupsing in local parlance) by Minister of Energy Stuart Young to a reporter who asked him about the disposal of a legal firearm was repugnant and totally unacceptable says Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal.
After the swearing-in ceremony of Port of Spain City Corporation councillors, Guardian Media journalist Otto Carrington asked Young about the disposal of his firearm.
He steupsed and walked away. The incident was captured on video. Young walked away before the whole question was asked.
Young admitted to Guardian Media last week that he had donated a firearm to the police service after the issue was raised by the United National Congress.
In a statement soon after the incident on Friday, Dr Moonilal said Young must answer important questions on his conduct without contempt for the media and the public.
He said, “His response is repugnant and totally unacceptable from one who has held the Office of Minister of National Security and a sitting member of the National Security Council (NSC).
“Minister of Everything Stuart Young’s arrogant response today to a reporter’s legitimate question, further illustrates the highhandedness and lack of transparency of the Rowley regime.
“Young has several critical questions to answer with respect to his questionable donation of a firearm to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
Dr Moonilal said this was suspicious activity involving yet unknown police officers and may be in breach of the law.
He said, “I raised those matters at the Opposition’s Sunday press conference on August 20, 2023 and in my statements on the issue earlier this week.
“The media must be commended for the continuing probe into this suspicious activity of a senior government minister, one who has round-the-clock police protection.
“Young’s retort to the journalist’s enquiry is consistent with the authoritarianism and haughtiness of his boss.
“In fact, Prime Minister Rowley has returned to Trinidad and Tobago from a safe sanctuary without addressing any of the raging national issues, including Young’s questionable gun escapade.”
Dr Moonilal said Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher must publicly explain the policy, procedure and practice in receiving firearms from citizens.
He said, “Young’s conceited performance is another of the last gasps of a dying administration.”
