Tobago: The Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) of which Tobago Affairs Minister Vernella Alleyne Toppin is a member is condemning the Minister's apparent misuse of a government issued credit card.
The Minister used the card, which is intended for overseas travel, on restuarants and other purchases in Trinidad.
In a statement issued by the party's chairman Stanley Beard, the party says that from inception it has championed the cause of accountability, transparency and propriety in treating with matters relating to the allocation, disbursement and or transfer of public funds.
The TOP says that it note the minister’s position on the issue, in particular the reference to the novelty associated with her first term in office, the period over which the alleged discrepancies would have occurred and the failure of the systemic checks within the ministry to have arrested this matter in its infancy.
The TOP says it is saddened by the event but says on a positive note it acknowledges the steps taken by the minister to urgently settle the outstanding balance on the card and has welcomed her full and unconditional apology to both her constituents and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
The TOP says it stands firm in its resolve to ensure good governance, transparency in public affairs and accountability in the use of public funds and will therefore take every step to counsel and support the representative for Tobago East to ensure that this does not happen again.
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