The Integrity Commission is investigating a second complaint against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The Youth for the Promotion of Democracy (YPOD), an advocacy organisation for proper and effective governance, has requested that the commission investigate the source of funding for Persad-Bissessar's private residence. The complaint was filed in the name of Kevon Moses, chairman of YPOD. And the Registrar General of the Integrity Commission has confirmed receipt of the request. He also advised that "the issue raised is engaging its (the commission's) attention."
In a letter to the commission, Moses said Persad-Bissessar had contravened Section 27 of the Integrity in Public Life Act . The group used comments made by suspended San Fernando East MP and former prime minister Patrick Manning and news reports published in the T&T Guardian to support its case.
The letter said serious concerns were raised about the project in the absence of any "credible explanation evidence as to the expenditure incurred and in particular the source of funding for the construction costs."
The group then called on the commission to investigate:
• the Prime Minister has contravened the provisions of Section 27 of the Act by accepting a fee, gift or other personal benefit except compensation authorised by the law that is directly or indirectly connected with the performance of her office; and
• that the matter be referred to the Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) for determination on whether a crime was committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Manning was suspended last month for a period of one month for his allegations in Parliament about the source of funding for the residence.
Persad-Bissessar was also referred to the commission for investigation into an alleged breach of the same law when she stayed at the private residence of Ralph Gopaul of Tunapuna. Gopaul was later confirmed as the preferred bidder for a $40 million transport contract from NP. The contract was later quashed.