One day after the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) denied claims made by Dr Roodal Moonilal, that it has been silent on alleged corruption under the PNM government and wanted to be left out of politics, the Opposition MP has clapped back and is now accusing TTTI of being hypocritical.
In a media release on Wednesday the institute denied Moonilal’s claims, saying “TTTI refutes any suggestion of political influence or selective silence in respect of its operations and advocacy over the years.”
The release added that as an organisation the TTTI at all times operated “within the highest ethical standards” in keeping with its objectives of institutional strengthening, public education and youth development, regardless of which political party led the country.
“Attempts to sully the good name, reputation and work of TTTI are taken very seriously, and the hard work and integrity of successive boards over the last 24 years will not be unjustifiably pulled into the political arena. TTTI has remained dedicated to seeking ways to reduce corruption from TT and to bring public awareness and attention to corrupt practices since this scourge has the effect of undermining the institutions of democracy, especially in a small island state.”
However, in a statement of his own today, Moonilal says the TTTI “is absurd in its demand to be kept out of national politics”.
Moonilal said: “In years gone by, TTTI had a spokesperson, today they send nameless releases, in mortal fear of the PNM political mafia!”
The Oropouche East MP is now calling on the TTTI to state to the public who are their directors.
“Is a director or an office holder a controversial EBC appointee related to a former PNM minister and the Prime Minister?” he asked in his release.
COMMENTS