Search of THA secretary's home – Minority Leader Kelvon Morris denies PNM involvement

THA MINORITY Leader Kelvon Morris has categorically denied any PNM involvement in the police search at the Signal Hill home of Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development Trevor James on September 5.

Both James and the Tobago People's Party (TPP), which is led by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, have separately blamed the PNM for the search.

In an interview on September 7, Morris scoffed at James’ allegation.

“I want to categorically state that there are clear and distinct lines between the operations of law enforcement agencies and the government,” he said via WhatsApp.

“The PNM, or any political party, has no involvement in the legal challenges Mr Trevor James may be facing.”

The Darrel Spring/Whim assemblyman said the law must take its course.

“It’s important that we allow law enforcement to perform their duties impartially, without interference or speculation. Let the legal process run its course and the facts speak for themselves.”

He added the PNM was focused on “serving the people and upholding the rule of law.”

During a news conference at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, on September 6, James alleged “politicians in Trinidad” were behind the search at his NHA Development home.

He also accused them of using high-handed tactics to embarrass him and destabilise the Farley Augustine-led THA administration.

Police and licensing officers visited James' home with a warrant to search the premises for personal devices.

Cpl Makeal Seechan, of the Intelligence and Investigations Unit, applied for and was granted the warrant in the High Court. The court approved the warrant under Section 5 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Offences) Act 2011.

James told reporters the police seized his iPhone15 device.

He said the seizure of his device was “consequent to a belief that I somehow acquired a certification sticker for my vehicle and that possibly, I may have evidence on the phone to suggest I acquired the inspection sticker illegally.”

James believes the search stemmed from his confrontation with Trinidad-based licensing officers who were sent to Tobago to carry out road exercises in April 2023.

The Tobago's People Party (TPP), headed by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, also blamed the PNM for the search.

In a release on September 6, the TPP said, "The PNM continues to use police powers in an attempt to frustrate the people of Tobago and distract public officials in the discharge of their duties."

It called this "a feature of fascist governments around the world."

The TPP, which was launched in August last year, said Tobagonians have also seen a "white-shirt invasion" of licensing officers "timed to endure maximum disruption to the Tobago economy." The party also condemned "the thuggish searches on the homes of assemblymen" in July last year. The searches, which included the chief secretary's residence, followed the circulation of an audio clip in which people are heard discussing using THA money to fund a political propaganda campaign.

The TPP claimed the government is using its resources to attack the THA.

"As blood crimes increase across TT, with billions missing from the country's coffers, and schools across the nation failing to open because of maladministration and disrepair, Central Government has centred its attack, not on crime-fighting, school-building, or economic stimulus, but on foolish attempts to disrupt the governance of Tobago, and Tobago's people."