PNM’s Tobago Council said it strongly condemns the recent circulation of a purported official Integrity Commission release and is now calling for an investigation into the fake document.
The false release accused Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries, and Urban Development Trevor James of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) of misconduct.
The document was confirmed to be a fake by the Integrity Commission on Thursday.
A release from the commission noted with concern the unauthorised use of its letterhead as well as the use of an unauthorised signature purporting to be on behalf of the Acting Registrar. It further advised that the letter was fraudulent and urged the public to disregard its contents.
In a subsequent statement, the Tobago Council condemned and criticised the act.
“We are calling for a full investigation into this reprehensible and fraudulent act, which has the potential to undermine a critical organisation within our democracy,” the statement said.
The Council further called for all stakeholders involved to cooperate with any such investigation.
“It must be noted that this document was first introduced to the public by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, who must be prepared to cooperate with such an investigation by revealing the source of the document,” it noted.
The Council has also suggested a full police investigation be done into alleged screen shots and conversations related to the matter.