Integrity Commission launches full probe into audio tape

FOLLOWING a preliminary assessment, the Integrity Commission confirmed it has launched a full probe into a leaked voice recording said to be of two high-ranking Tobago government officials discussing the use of public funds to hire people to carry out a political propaganda campaign.

Contacted by Newsday on Wednesday for comment, former head of the public service Reginald Dumas said the development did not look good for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), and lamented the probe's possible impact on the assembly's image.

On Wednesday, in response to e-mailed questions, the commission told Newsday it was satisfied  it had jurisdiction over the complaint, which is now the subject of an investigation in accordance with section 34 of the Integrity in Public Life Act.

The act allows the commission to appoint an investigating officer to conduct the inquiry, which may then obtain all relevant books, records, accounts, reports, data – stored electronically or otherwise – or any other documents relating to the functions of any public or private body.

Officials, including witnesses, may be summoned and examined under oath.

In June, the commission confirmed to Newsday that it had received a complaint about the recording. It then launched a preliminary assessment to determine whether it had jurisdiction to investigate. The assessment was completed on June 16.

Earlier that week, the police's Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau and the Fraud Squad began investigating.

On Wednesday, Dumas said, "It doesn't look good. I can't think of any event in the past where the Integrity Commission has said it has the power to investigate something by the THA and has in fact investigated it. To the best of my recollection, this is the first time.

"What we are certain of is the police has launched an investigation, the Integrity Commission now says it has the power to launch the investigation. It doesn't look good.
"It's also the first time I could think of that not only the Integrity Commission but also the police are investigating what is said to be an action coming out of the THA."

Dumas went on to ask, "Suppose the investigation concludes and the law was broken... but then that makes it look even worse. So the question would be then 'What's next?'"

The one-minute-15-second voice recording of a man and a woman discussing a strategy that involves employing people in the THA and having them promote propaganda on social media left Tobagonians shocked.

The male voice said the strategy "will help in the ways Tobagonians is (sic) responding to the moves in Trinidad. That can help in shaping the narrative."

Almost a month after the recording was leaked, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, in a pre-recorded briefing, admitted that the idea of a propaganda strategy was considered and discussed at a THA Executive Council strategy meeting, but the plan was never implemented. Members of the executive council were, at the time of the meeting, members of the Progressive Democratic Patriots. They have since left the party after a dispute between its leader, Watson Duke, and Augustine.

On Wednesday, responding to the Integrity Commission's announcement, leader of the PNM Tobago Council Ancil Dennis said, "I'm not surprised by this development.

"The actions were clearly corrupt. It represents a breach of the public trust and therefore, I expect the relevant authorities like the Integrity Commission and the TTPS (TT Police Service) will do the necessary work, and ensure the chips fall where they may."

Also on Wednesday, Duke said, "I would stand in praise for the Integrity Commission for a matter as important as this. This is a serious concern to Tobagonians.

"To use public funds for propaganda is wrong in every way and form. What Augustine should do is apologise and remove himself as the chief secretary and financial secretary."

Duke said he hoped the commission "shines the brightest light in the darkest corner."

He went on to deny being a part of or aware of the strategy discussed.

All attempts to reach Augustine for comment, which included trying to reach him through the THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith BYisrael, were unsuccessful up to press time.