Lead Editor-Politics
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley says he has received threats from “certain officials of state” but insists he is not intimidated, warning that he believes the country is entering a dangerous period where state power is being used against perceived political opponents.
Speaking exclusively with Guardian Media at his Goodwood Park, Diego Martin home yesterday, Rowley claimed threats have been directed not only at him but the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) Balisier House headquarters.
“They could target me if they wish because I’ve been getting threats from certain officials of state that I am next, and Balisier House is next,” Rowley said.
“They could do that if they wish, but I only have one country and that country is Trinidad and Tobago. I fought for it and I will continue to fight for it.”
Asked who made the threats against him, Rowley declined to provide names.
Asked whether he was concerned, the former prime minister said, “Worried? Me? I look worried to you? Do I look worried to you? No. I have one country. I fought many battles in this country and for this country and I will continue so to do.”
Rowley accused the Kamla Persad-Bissessar Government of targeting people based on perceived political affiliation, saying citizens were becoming fearful.
“The Government has declared war on the people of Trinidad and Tobago, largely on the basis of who they perceive them to be supporters of politically. And if this country doesn’t believe me, those who are feeling the pressure now, my advice to you is ban your belly, there’s more to come,” he said.
He said the administration was operating on the premise that “if you prospered under the PNM, you must be destroyed.”
Rowley also addressed the ongoing public debate surrounding businessman Dominic Hadeed, who remains before the courts following his detention under the Emergency Powers Regulations.
Rowley avoided direct comment on the matter, but criticised the wider political narrative surrounding the case and raised concerns about the weaponisation of Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs).
Hadeed’s attorneys have argued in court that statements made by Attorney General John Jeremie during the debate on the extension of the State of Emergency formed part of the context surrounding his detention.
During that debate, Jeremie repeatedly referred to members of the business community as “the one per cent,” accusing some of financing the PNM and benefiting from State land.
Asked about the issue, Rowley said he was “looking on in amazement.”
“The PNM is held to a different and higher standard in this country. No PNM prime minister would have countenanced a PNM minister going in the Parliament and doing that,” he said.
He also rejected suggestions that Hadeed was a PNM financier.
“I don’t know what the Hadeeds do with their money. I’ll tell you one thing, they certainly didn’t give it to the PNM. Not to my knowledge,” Rowley said.
He acknowledged the PNM accepts donations during election campaigns from the public, but rejected claims of improper financing.
Rowley said his greater concern was the use of the SoE and PDOs.
Rowley also responded to the Government’s review of diplomatic passports and the possibility that his passport could be reclassified from diplomatic to official.
He accused the administration of acting with “vindictiveness and malice,” claiming officials initially sought to cancel diplomatic passports belonging to his children. However, he said his children never possessed diplomatic passports.
Asked whether he believed the matter was personal, Rowley replied, “Of course it’s personal. Why wouldn’t I take it as personal?”
Balisier House funding allegations
Rowley also defended the financing of the reconstructed Balisier House amid claims that questions may be raised over how the project was funded.
He said the party had faced allegations from the start of construction and rejected suggestions that illegal funds were involved.
He criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over claims that the headquarters was built using proceeds from criminal activity.
“The prime minister just saw it fit to make that statement. To be repeated by all and sundry at home and abroad,” Rowley said.
“If they know that Balisier House was built by crime and the proceeds of drug dealers and so on, they are free to proceed,” he said.
Rowley said the PNM would cooperate with any lawful investigation into the financing of its headquarters.
He maintained the party headquarters was funded through members and supporters.
