Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has cautioned individuals and institutions against engaging in corrupt practices, making it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated under her leadership.
The Prime Minister delivered a firm message to her Cabinet Ministers and the wider public at the UNC’s Monday Night Report in Couva, where she made it clear that her administration will not stand by while citizens bear the cost of corruption.
Reflecting on her previous tenure as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, she said she has grown from that experience.
“You’re dealing with a person who has learnt from mistakes, and I tell you I will not lose my pathway, and I tell you again, let us continue to put God in front and walk behind, and we will not go wrong. I assure you this Kamla is a different Kamla. All those things that you did, some of you did and think you get away with in 2010 and 2015 will not be repeated.”
The Prime Minister said her administration will not tolerate the continuation or replacement of corrupt practices and warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who seeks to undermine the integrity of the State and its institutions.
“The AG likes to say he will go to war with you, but if you continue that kind of behaviour patterning from the PNM, I am not going to war with you. I’ll bust your head should you do it. I’ll bust your head.”
The Prime Minister explained that one of the most serious financial missteps under the former administration was borrowing at inflated interest rates of 9% from close associates, despite more affordable options of 3% to 4% elsewhere.
“Don’t get fooled and misled into thinking that the government is only dealing with criminality at this level, we are going at the low end of the scale, and we are dealing with criminality at both ends of the scale. We are coming for you, you eat-a-fooders at the top, and financiers, we are coming for you too, on both ends.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar revealed that Government Ministers, including Minister Barry Padarath and Minister Khadijah Ameen, have received threats amid the administration’s anti-corruption efforts. She reassured them, saying they should not fear, as she stands firmly behind them.