While addressing the Parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar levied allegations that the construction of the Balisier House, PNM Headquarters, was funded by criminal financiers with ties to the drug trade.
In response, former Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, hosted a press conference to address national issues, rejecting the allegations made. During his address, the former PM used terminology to refer to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar critics call derogatory, raising concerns about the tone of political engagement.
Political Scientist Dr. Shane Mohammed said the frequency with which the term was used disqualifies it as “enthusiastic retaliation”. He added that its purpose was to denigrate the Prime Minister rather than provide evidence in defence of his response.