Dogged by perceptions of wrongdoing after her friend was named as the preferred bidder for a lucrative NP contract, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday declared that she is open to public scrutiny. Her comment followed calls by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley for the Integrity Commission to investigate her stay at the Tunapuna residence of Ralph and Maureen Gopaul, after her May 24, 2010, election as Prime Minister. "That's not a problem...absolutely not a problem," Persad-Bissessar told reporters, after the launch of the Sugar Heritage Village and Museum Project at Brechin Castle, Couva.
On Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar admitted that her stay at the Gopaul's was at no additional cost to taxpayers. Rowley contended yesterday that since the State did not incur any expenses for the period of the Prime Minister's stay at the home of the Gopauls, it was a possible gift within the meaning of the Integrity in Public Life Act. Asked to comment on that issue, Persad-Bissessar said: "I would have to really hear what he has said before I can comment appropriately."
Further questions about the Gopaul contract were met with a terse response: "I would want to await the report from the line minister, the independent report, before I make any more comments on this matter."
In the Senate on Tuesday, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal also said the Prime Minister's stay at the Tunapuna residence saved the State money as there were no charges for her accommodation there before and after the election. The explanations came days after allegations that a company owned by the Gopauls was the successful bidder for a $40 million contract from state-owned National Petroleum Co Ltd. Line Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan has appointed an independent team to review award of that contract.