Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) CEO Ken Ali says it is irrelevant whether the panellists chosen to ask Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar questions during last week's leadership exchange, which was broadcast on the groups television station was, paid or not.
In an interview yesterday evening, Ali seemed baffled by the interest in whether the panellists–former PNM councillor Isha Wells, radio announcer Morgan Job and political analyst Derek Ramsamooj–were given financial remuneration for being part of the panel.
This followed news reports that each panellist was paid $10,000.
"I don't see how that is relevant or how it would have impacted the questions which were asked," Ali said in an interview.
He said the only people trying to "discredit" the exchange were some sections of the local media, adding he had received positive responses from citizens both local and living abroad.
"Today I got an email from someone living in Belgium and they were very positive about the exercise," Ali said.
He said they were all professionals who gave up their time to appear on the Leadership Exchange and couldn't understand the concern over compensation.
Despite his comments, Ali did not confirm or deny that the three were compensated.