In a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s allegations, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has categorically denied claims that the People’s National Movement (PNM) receives financing from criminal elements. Beckles characterized the Prime Minister’s assertions of PNM connections to a ‘local drug mafia’ and anti-American narratives as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘entirely unfounded.’
The political confrontation escalated as Beckles addressed journalists upon arriving at the House of Representatives on December 5th. She challenged the Prime Minister to present any evidence of criminal linkages to law enforcement authorities rather than employing what she described as politically motivated accusations. Beckles suggested these allegations serve as a diversionary tactic amid growing scrutiny over the government’s installation of US radar systems in Tobago.
The Opposition Leader’s response comes directly after Persad-Bissessar’s social media statements on December 1st, wherein she implicated ‘persons, groups, politicians, and businesses profiting from drug trafficking’ in promoting anti-American sentiment. The Prime Minister further accused PNM of obstructing governmental anti-drug and anti-human-trafficking initiatives while hinting at connections to serious criminal activities.
Beckles redirected attention to what she termed the administration’s opaque handling of the Tobago radar deployment, questioning the contradictory explanations provided to the public. ‘National security matters may contain sensitive components,’ she acknowledged, ‘but citizens deserve fundamental transparency regarding governmental actions affecting national sovereignty.’
The Opposition Leader additionally refuted claims that previous PNM governance had neglected the nation’s radar infrastructure, dismissing this as another tactical distraction. Separately, Beckles expressed optimism about PNM’s prospects in upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections, highlighting the party’s substantial investments and continued development efforts in the region.
Parliamentary proceedings witnessed further tension as Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales invoked Standing Order 32.1 regarding privilege matters submitted to the Speaker’s office. Government MPs defended the deliberative process while assuring rulings would be delivered following proper procedural review. Deputy Speaker Singh confirmed multiple privilege complaints remain under examination with commitments to issue determinations ‘in due course.’