Opposition Leader says allegations alone do not establish anyone’s guilt

Opposition Leader and People’s National Movement (PNM) political leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson says anyone with evidence of corruption or wrongdoing involving members of the party should take that information to the police.

Beckles made the statement while addressing questions surrounding the ongoing controversy in the PNM’s San Fernando East constituency and allegations that have emerged during the dispute involving MP Brian Manning and the former constituency executive.

Speaking at an Opposition press briefing, Beckles stressed that an accusation should not automatically be treated as proof of guilt.

“If at any time there is any allegation of any wrongdoing or any corruption of anybody as it relates to the People’s National Movement, if a person is making such an allegation and you have the evidence, you take it to the police,” Beckles said.

She said information could also be brought before the party, which would address matters through its established internal procedures.

Beckles maintained that the PNM intends to protect its integrity while also ensuring that people accused of wrongdoing are given an opportunity to be heard.

Her comments came amid questions about allegations connected to former San Fernando East constituency chairman Patricia Alexis and a Florida property reportedly associated with her.

When questioned about the property and allegations surrounding how it may have been acquired, Beckles said she did not have the relevant information and cautioned against treating ownership of a property as evidence of corruption.

“The issue is not so much whether she owns that condo. Is the allegation that it was gotten by some corrupt means,” Beckles said.

She reiterated that if anyone possesses information showing that property was acquired through corrupt or illegal means, the appropriate authorities should investigate.

Beckles also responded to references to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander reportedly saying he had seen documents connected to the allegations which he considered concerning.

She said Alexander, as a government minister, had access to the authorities necessary to pursue an investigation and should take any evidence to the police rather than place responsibility for a criminal investigation on her.

Beckles stressed that she is neither the Commissioner of Police nor a government minister responsible for conducting criminal investigations.

As PNM leader, she said her responsibility is to ensure the party follows its constitution and established procedures when complaints are brought before it.

Beckles confirmed that she had spoken with Manning in person that morning and described their conversation as “very good.”

She also said the party had already held meetings with the San Fernando East constituency executive and the wider constituency groups as it worked through the dispute.

The constituency executive has since resigned, while internal elections in San Fernando East had been suspended pending completion of the party’s investigation.

Beckles said the committee examining the matter was expected to have its report ready by Friday, which would allow the constituency’s election process to begin.

Despite criticism of her handling of the controversy, Beckles maintained that she would not abandon the party’s procedures because of public pressure.

She said accusations must be supported by evidence and insisted the PNM would continue to follow its constitution while allowing those accused of wrongdoing the right to be heard.