A simmering internal conflict within Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) took another turn this week, as San Fernando East Member of Parliament Brian Malone has confirmed he has not submitted any documentary evidence to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) amid swirling corruption allegations against the constituency’s former PNM executive.
Manning spoke with reporters on the evening before a closed-door general membership gathering at his constituency office on Navet Road, San Fernando, addressing growing speculation over his handling of the corruption claims. The MP clarified that existing publicly available information already provided sufficient context for his actions, eliminating the immediate need to turn over additional private documents to law enforcement. He also pushed back against characterizations that he had leveled direct accusations against specific individuals, noting that he had only requested the national party leadership launch a formal investigation to resolve constituent concerns and clear public uncertainty.
“All details will come to light in due course,” Manning told reporters, adding that his request for a probe came directly after local voters raised repeated concerns about improper activity within the constituency executive.
Top PNM officials have publicly pushed back against Manning’s actions in recent weeks. Party chairman Marvin Gonzales issued a public warning that Manning was “treading a very dangerous path”, while party leader Pennelope Beckles reiterated last week that any credible evidence of corrupt activity should be turned over directly to police for investigation. Despite the public disagreement, both Beckles and Manning confirmed they have held cordial private discussions, and Manning asserted there is no lasting rift between himself and the national party leadership.
“I have no concerns at all about my standing within the party or my working relationship with party leadership,” Manning said, adding that his absence from the party’s recent Independence Day celebrations was due to a pre-scheduled conflicting commitment, not any personal or political friction.
The MP emphasized that his primary focus has always been advancing the interests of San Fernando East constituents, and claimed the constituency’s PNM branch is currently stronger than it has ever been. Tuesday evening’s closed membership meeting was organized specifically to address questions from local party members, update attendees on both constituency and national political developments, and the media was barred from attending the closed session per party policy. Manning said he did not expect significant pushback or anger from attending members over his handling of the corruption probe request.
Following the recent resignation of the entire previous San Fernando East constituency executive, Manning confirmed local representatives have submitted a request to party headquarters at Balisier House to appoint an interim executive, and are currently awaiting a formal response. In the interim, the local branch has continued day-to-day operations to the best of its ability, he said. Notably, former senator Hazel Manning, Brian Manning’s mother, has put herself forward to serve as chairman of the interim executive if approved by national leadership.
National Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander previously addressed the allegations, telling reporters that any claims of corruption involving misuse of public funds require a full police investigation. Alexander also confirmed he has reviewed existing documents related to the allegations that left him “shocked”, though he declined to publicly release the content of the documents or identify their source.
At the heart of the conflict is a Florida condominium purchased for $187,000 USD (equivalent to roughly TT $1.26 million), one of multiple undeclared properties that have sparked the falling out between Brian Manning and former members of the now-resigned San Fernando East constituency executive.