By Sue-Ann Wayow
POLITICAL leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad-Bissessar is calling on Government to list how many contracts were given to the spouses of government ministers.
Failure to do so will result in its revelation by the UNC she added.
Speaking during a shortened version of the UNC’s virtual Monday night meeting, Persad-Bissessar referring to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi claimed that his wife was collecting money from being associated with a law firm hired by the Government.
She said, “Getting work for your wife or spouse might sound like a good thing in any other industry but the minute you are using the people’s money, it becomes a major issue.
“From millions every year in rent to who knows how much paid to his wife. No other form of income other than taking taxpayers’ money while telling everyone else the treasury was empty.
“They must tell us, how many contracts have been given to companies in which ministers spouses have interests and the value of the contracts and if you fail to tell us, we will reveal it and expose it.”
The political leader said with the law firm contract, the worst part was it was hired to fight against schoolchildren seeking equity in the distribution of scholarships.
“So poor students can’t get scholarships to send their bright children to university, but millions of dollars for Faris’ wife and family,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also thanked the Government of India and the Indian High Commissioner for their donation of vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago.
Persad-Bissessar who was criticised for making the request from the Indian Government said, “People say when you ask for something you are a beggar. Well, I prefer to beg for the people of my country than to not ask at all.”
She questioned with the borders being closed, why there was an increase in Covid-19 cases in the country that caused more rollback measures adding to the crippling of the economy.
She also questioned why an Israeli aircraft was allowed to land at Piarco International Airport and what was its involvement with national security.
And she asked again about the pepper spray legislation calling for it to be tabled in Parliament as it can assist with the protection of women.
“While our women continue to be victims the Government seems to have again falsely promised to legalise pepper spray. Again, I say bring the pepper spray legislation, once it is good law we will support it,” she said.
