Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has categorically refuted allegations that government funds were utilized to finance her political party’s holiday festivities. The United National Congress (UNC) leader addressed these claims during the party’s Christmas Supper event held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on December 18.
In her definitive statement to attendees, Persad-Bissessar declared, ‘Not one cent of government money has been expended on this Christmas Supper.’ She further challenged critics who accused her administration of extravagant spending and insensitivity toward ordinary citizens amid ongoing economic challenges.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the funding mechanism, revealing that proceeds from a previous UNC fundraising dinner in Couva on December 13 directly financed the current event. ‘Every attendee who purchased tickets for that occasion essentially funded tonight’s gathering through their contributions,’ she explained, emphasizing the self-sustaining nature of the party’s celebrations.
Addressing concerns about perceived neglect since the UNC’s electoral victory on April 28, Persad-Bissessar offered a public apology while defending her government’s intensive workload. ‘The work was intense and the time was so short,’ she acknowledged before assuring citizens, ‘We will never ever forget you.’ The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of government spending and political accountability in Trinidad and Tobago.