T&T – Integrity Commission on PM’s Townhouse Probe

In response to an editorial by the Express Newspaper in Trinidad asking the Integrity Commission on Tuesday to explain why it terminated the investigation of the Prime Minister’s purchase of a townhouse in Tobago, the following statement was issued:

The Integrity Commission (“the Commission”) notes, with concern, the issues raised in the Editorial of the

Trinidad and Tobago Express Newspaper, dated August 09, 2023, with the headline, “Integrity Commissionmust explain”. This editorial comes on the heels of a press statement released to media professionals of all the daily newspapers on August 08, 2023. It is somewhat surprising that the five paged press statement did not make the Commission’s position clear on the investigation into the statutory filings of the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley for 2019 which lead to the call for further clarification of its position. The Commission has made it clear that it understands its statutory duties and wishes to assure the public that it carefully reviews all positions taken, being fully cognizant of the need to ensure public confidence in the institution. It must also be understood that persons in public life are expected to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the Integrity in Public Life Act (IPLA). The Commission has always made its resources available to explain to persons in public life, the statutory requirements that must be adhered to on assumption of office. Indeed, the Commission has made presentations, when required, to bodies falling under its purview.

Notwithstanding the press statement of August 08, 2023, the Commission wishes to take the opportunity to once again explain the workings of the IPLA. As a starting point, Part III of the Integrity in Public Life Act, Sections 11 to 22, deals with financial disclosures...

The statement comes on the heels of the termination of an investigation into a complaint over the Prime Minister’s purchase of a townhouse in Tobago; in response to a signed pre-action protocol letter, dated August, to the commission’s registrar from attorneys for UNC activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj.

The Commission stands by a statement it issued and takes umbrage with the editorial.