PNM to caucus on HDC issue

The Opposition has launched an investigation into whether Minister Anil Roberts violated the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Data Protection Act by disclosing personal information about St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his family. The revelation pertains to the purchase of three apartments at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, speaking at a media conference on November 13, suggested that Roberts may have breached Section 28 of the Integrity in Public Life Act, which mandates confidentiality for sensitive information unless required by duty or justice. Beckles criticized Roberts for his ‘reckless’ behavior in publicly sharing financial and personal details of Prime Minister Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their two younger children, Storm and Soleil. She emphasized that the purchase of the apartments was legal and available to anyone on the open market, dismissing any allegations of corruption. Beckles also condemned Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for supporting Roberts, accusing him of attempting to embarrass the SVG leader. Opposition Senators Amery Browne and Faris Al-Rawi echoed these sentiments, denouncing Roberts’ actions as a distraction from ongoing allegations surrounding the LifeSport Programme. Browne stressed that attacks on politicians’ families are unacceptable, while Al-Rawi highlighted the financial inaccessibility of the Diego Martin development for low and middle-income citizens due to changes made during the UNC’s tenure. The Vincentian PM’s wife has denied any preferential treatment in the acquisition of the apartments. An open house event for the Victoria Keyes development is scheduled for November 22, with apartments starting at $1 million.