Opposition Leader Dismisses Allegations of Drug Mafia Funding

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has rejected claims by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that the People’s National Movement (PNM) is funded by a local drug mafia and supports an anti-US narrative. The Prime Minister’s allegations, which Beckles called ridiculous and unfounded, came amid concerns about the installation of US radar systems in Tobago. Beckles urged Persad-Bissessar to take any evidence of criminal links to the police rather than making politically motivated accusations. The Opposition Leader also dismissed claims that the former PNM government allowed the country’s radar systems to deteriorate, calling it a distraction. Meanwhile, during a parliamentary session, the opposition questioned the handling of privilege complaints, with the Speaker promising rulings in due course.