Tobago Council of the PNM calls for investigation into accusations of fraudulent between contractor and secretary Trevor James
The Tobago Council of the PNM condemned the circulation of a fraudulent letter from the Integrity Commission, falsely claiming to investigate accusations of corruption involving a contractor and the Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries, and Urban Development, Trevor James.
The letter alleged, based on a WhatsApp message exchange, that James was attempting to coerce $4 million from a contractor on behalf of Chief Secretary Farley Augustine. Despite the Integrity Commission denying involvement in the matter or the issuance of the letter, the Tobago Council of the PNM stated that the allegations still hold merit and warrant an investigation. They assert that if the information is true, it has the potential to undermine a critical organization within Trinidad and Tobago’s democracy. The Tobago Council of the PNM also called for a full police investigation into the actual screenshots of WhatsApp messages, as this is the only way to validate or invalidate the authenticity of the conversations. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has since denied any allegations against himself or any member of his executive council of attempting to coerce $4 million from a contractor.
He added that if any members of the executive council are found guilty of such actions, he will not hesitate to remove them and condemn their actions.
