THE Opposition United National Congress (UNC) is expressing “grave concern” over the arrest of Public Administration Minister Marlene McDonald.
In a release, the UNC said they await the outcome of the investigation since it was now in the hands of the police.
It stated, “We live in a country where the rule of law obtains, and every citizen is entitled to due process, justice and fair play.
“However, the fact that a sitting PNM government minister is under active investigation over claims of misappropriation of public funds and is now being questioned by the police, is alarming.”
The UNC called on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to make an immediate statement on this serious matter.
It added,”But once again Dr Keith Rowley’s poor leadership is highlighted given that he has on two separate occasions, removed Ms McDonald, and re-instated her in his Cabinet.
“The UNC notes that up to this time, the Prime Minister has not made any statement on this very serious matter, he remains missing in action.”
McDonald and her husband Michael Carew were arrested at their St Joseph, Maracas home for an investigation into alleged corruption, police said.
The Congress of the People also issued a release on the matter.
It stated, “While once again, we call for caution in that all are innocent until proven guilty, we also say categorically that those who steal especially from the public purse should be held accountable just like those caught in other criminal acts as it deprives our citizens of urgently needed services inclusive of hospital beds, better water distribution and upgrade to our schools and roads to name a few.”
