The Honourable Prime Minister Intends to Pursue Legal Action Against Those who have Re-published Falsehood Uttered in Parliament

On Friday 15 December, 2017 during a sitting of the House of Representatives, the Member of Parliament for Oropouche East, Dr Roodal Moonilal made a number of false statements of which he declined to take ownership and subsequently withdrew. These false and malicious statements were suggestive of payments being made by AV Drilling to the Honourable Prime Minister and/ or his wife.

These false and malicious statements by Dr Moonilal have since been promoted via social media by persons associated with the opposition, the United National Congress (UNC).

The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley states categorically that there is no truth to any suggestion that either he, or his wife, or anyone whatsoever on his behalf, received any wire transfer or cheque payment or any payment whatsoever, from or on behalf of AV Drilling.

The Honourable Prime Minister and his wife state without hesitation and without fear of contradiction that neither of them operates any foreign bank account outside of Trinidad and Tobago. Any and all statements, innuendoes or assertions however made by Dr Roodal Moonilal or any other person contradictory to this are nothing but patent falsehoods concocted by such persons as a deliberate slanderous conspiracy for self-serving political gain.

The Honourable Prime Minister intends to pursue legal action against those who have re-published this falsehood and has already so instructed his Attorneys.

The Board of Petrotrin continues to deal with the allegations of overpayment for oil and the Government awaits the outcome of their actions. This Government’s track record against corruption speaks for itself and the Honourable Prime Minister assures that he will defend his family and his good name to the fullest extent that the law provides.