Port-of-Spain: Prime Minsiter Kamla Persad-Bissessar has assigned Attorney Gen
eral Anand Ramlogan to make a determination on whether the Minister of Planning and Development, Senator Mary King acted outside of the law, when a government contract was awarded to her family company, of which she is listed as a partner.
The prime minsiter could not say whether the minister would be fired, but she maintains her government is committed to transparency and good governance. There is already a call from a senior member of her party, the Congress of the People, for her to resign, coming from the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts at a news conference this evening,
The Attorney General has confirmed he is investigating the matter. Ramlogan says the matter was referred to him by the prime minister for advice soon after a meeting between the Prime Minister and Minister King. That meeting took place sometime after the award of the contract.
Ramlogan says he was immediately instructed to undertake a comprehensive review of the procedure followed in the award of the contract in light of concerns expressed by the prime minister. The Attorney General admits that the issues raised are of grave and public importance, and he has promised to expedite his review of the relevant documents and circumstances in the shortest possible time frame.
However the AG says it is imperative that the principles of natural justice be scrupulously observed so that there can be no allegation of procedural irregularity and unfairness.
The Opposition People's National Movement is calling on the prime minister, the Integrity Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions to take immediate action with respect to what it says appears to be a clear breach by the minister of the code of conduct in public life.
The PNM says Minister King has admitted that she did not at any time during the procurement process for a contract to develop a website for her ministry , declare her interest in Ixanos Limited.
The PNM says Senator King is a shareholder in the company has also admitted that she participated in the selection process for the Tender Evaluation Committee which subsequently recommended the award of the contract to Ixanos Limited.
The PNM says the company was not the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract under questionable circumstances.
The party added that it is clear that Minister King breached Section 29 one and two of the Integrity in Public Life Act which deals with conflict of interest.
The Opposition party is now calling on the prime minister to relieve Minister King of her appointment both as minister and senator. The PNM also wants the Integrity Commission and the DPP to investigate the matter and to take appropriate action under the law.
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