In the wake of Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj’s controversial attendance at a rival United National Congress (UNC) fundraiser event, several supporters of the People’s National Movement (PNM) are calling for his resignation or dismissal. Despite the growing demands, opposition leader Pennelope Beckles has so far refrained from taking any decisive action. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Maharaj missed his own Arima Borough Corporation staff Christmas dinner to attend the UNC event. Some PNM members are urging Beckles to call a special general council meeting to assess whether Maharaj breached party discipline. Despite the outrage, Maharaj maintains that he has not done anything wrong and plans to continue his business operations.

