High Court Requires PNM to Explain Funding for Balisier House Construction

Trinidad’s High Court has issued a Preliminary Unexplained Wealth Order against the People’s National Movement (PNM). The order, part of an ongoing financial investigation, requires the PNM and its trustees to provide information explaining the source of the funds used to construct its Balisier House headquarters in Port of Spain.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) applied for the order under the Civil Asset Recovery and Management and Unexplained Wealth Act. They are investigating whether the party’s known income sources were sufficient to finance the construction. The project’s total cost is estimated at $118.4 million, with completed works valued at $73.3 million.

Apart from this, the investigators are also examining if companies that won government contracts may have provided discounted services or made financial contributions. In line with this, the TTPS is seeking documents dating from 2015 to 2025, including construction contracts, bank statements, donation records, committee minutes and payment details.

The inquiry also takes into account potential offences such as corruption, bribery, money laundering or misconduct in public office. However, it should be noted that the granting of this order does not mean that the PNM or its trustees have been found guilty of any wrongdoing. It is merely a legal provision that mandates the named parties to disclose the source of the funds used for the construction.

As of now, the PNM has not issued a public response to the court order.