A MALICIOUS attempt to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
This is how Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi describes a letter being circulated on social media purporting to be issued by Chief Executive Officer of the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) Keith Eddy.
The document, a purported memorandum to contractors was headed “Reminder- Election Support.”
It states, “As the national election approaches, your support is essential. While attendance at meetings and town halls in support of the Honourable Prime Minister is not mandatory, it will be recorded and may be considered in future contract evaluations. Ensure your staff are informed and present where required.”
Al-Rawi in a media release on Monday stated, “I wish to make it abundantly clear that no such communication was ever issued by CEPEP, its management, or any agent acting on behalf of the Government. The dissemination of this falsehood is designed to exploit vulnerable members of the public by sowing seeds of fear, suspicion, and political resentment. It forms part of a disturbing and deliberate strategy of disinformation being pursued by the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) and their cronies, aimed at manipulating public perception through deception, forgery, and fear-mongering.”
He continued, “This type of conduct is irresponsible, reprehensible and anti-democratic. They are also deeply corrosive to the civic fabric of our society and should be rejected by all decent and civic-minded citizens.”
Al-Rawi encouraged citizens to not get caught up with misinformation and to demand accountability and integrity from those who seek to lead.
He said, “The UNC must be held to account for their shameful attempts to weaponize falsehood in the pursuit of political gain.”
As returning People’s National Movement (PNM) for San Fernando West, Al-Rawi said, “I remain resolute in my commitment to truth, transparency, and delivery for San Fernando West and for the republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
