Moonilal slams PM's "hit and run"

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal yesterday accused Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of executing an early morning "a hit and run" attack against him and other members of the Opposition. Moonilal made the accusation in response to Rowley's condemnation of his statements that Tuesday's arrest of former attorney general Anand Ramlogan was an attempt to distract public attention away from certain issues in the country.

Rowley condemned Moonilal's statements during a news conference at Piarco International Airport prior to his departure to the United States. The Prime Minister is due to undergo a medical check up while he is the US for a brief vacation. A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister indicated this and said Finance Minister Colm Imbert will act as prime minister until Rowley returns.

In a statement, Moonilal said it was very disturbing to hear Rowley suggest he has personal information on possible further charges to be laid by police in the matter against Ramlogan. He also said it was disturbing for Rowley to insinuate that, "other members of the Opposition will be in court soon." Asking how Rowley would know this, Moonilal recalled that Rowley once expressed no confidence in the Police Service to curb crime in TT.

He claimed Rowley's latest comments suggest that Rowley has done a 180 degree turn on this issue. Moonilal also alleged this raises the question as to whether there is, "collusion between elements of the police service and the political directorate." Vowing that neither the Opposition nor himself will be silenced, Moonilal said it was unfortunate that Rowley chose to, "sow the seeds of division in our nation."

He regretted that Rowley did not use the briefing to comfort the people of Tobago that transportation problems on the seabridge would be resolved soon or address lingering concerns over the re-appointment of Robert Le Hunte as Public Utilities Minister. Le Hunte was sworn in, for a second time, on Thursday (Independence Day).