Caption: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles 

By Alicia Chamely

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is being called on to inform the nation as to whether Minister of Housing David Lee will continue to serve as a minister of government while facing criminal charges for allegedly conspiring to defraud the government and misbehaviour in public office.

The call came from Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles in a press release on Tuesday, as she expressed concern on how Lee’s arrest may affect public confidence in the integrity of the government.

Beckles stated, “The People’s National Movement (PNM) notes with the deepest concern the statement issued today by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service confirming that judicial warrants have been issues for the arrest of Cabinet Minister David Lee, Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, and businessman Hugh Leong Poi, a known UNC financier.”

She noted under Persad-Bissessar last term as Prime Minister, former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan SC and former Minister Jack Warner, both of whom were arrested while serving as senior members of the United National Congress Government (UNC) were removed from their positions.

Beckles stated that while rule of law entitles all citizens a fair and free trial, the public’s faith in the integrity of the government must be protected.

She stated, “Due process and respect for the rule of law are cornerstones of our democracy, and every citizen is entitled to a fair trial before the courts. However, public confidence in the integrity of the Cabinet and the governance of Trinidad and Tobago must also be protected.”

Therefore, Beckles called upon the Prime Minister to “immediately inform the nation whether Minister David Lee will continue to serve as a Minister of Government and senior member of Cabinet while facing criminal charges.”