The Congress of the People (COP) has called for due process to be observed following the arrest and charging of Housing Minister David Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi.
In a brief statement, COP chairman Lonsdale Williams said the party acknowledges the charges but maintains that all persons are innocent unless proven guilty and that the law must take its course.
The call came a day after People’s National Movement (PNM) Political Leader Penelope Beckles urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to say whether Lee will remain in Cabinet while facing criminal charges.
Beckles said the PNM viewed the development “with deepest concern” following confirmation from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service that judicial warrants had been issued for Lee, the Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, and Leong Poi, proprietor of Sport Outlet Limited.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, responding to the arrests, said her government respected the judicial process, adding, “Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been relaid we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result.”
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said the warrants were received around 12:15 pm and executed in keeping with legal mandates, ensuring the rule of law and judicial directives were carried out with integrity and impartiality.