Senior Reporter
People’s National Movement (PNM) leader Pennelope Beckles has signalled that there are no plans to expel San Fernando East MP Brian Manning, despite his public allegations of corruption and criminality within the party and criticism that she has been unable or unwilling to deal with the matter.
Asked yesterday whether Manning should be asked to resign amid the continuing San Fernando East imbroglio, Beckles responded: “How did you reach there?”
She questioned why the issue had advanced to the point where Manning’s resignation was even being contemplated, stressing the party has established procedures for dealing with internal disputes.
“Let me just say that, ideally, the culture of the PNM has been that we do not wash our dirty linen in public, right? Times have changed. You have social media, there’s a whole revolution in terms of how communication exists as it relates to certain issues. But I don’t know how we have reached there about whether he should resign or he shouldn’t resign. I maintain the party has a process,” Beckles said, adding the PNM was “not a fly-by-night party” and would not “operate like any ad hoc or dolly-house party.”
Speaking publicly on the controversy for the first time yesterday, Beckles said had strong views on party members making allegations without evidence.
“I am not, as leader of the party, going to encourage people to just make an accusation and provide no evidence. I have a real difficulty with that,” she said.
She also pushed back against criticism of her handling of the dispute involving Manning and former San Fernando East constituency chairman Patricia Alexis, insisting allegations of criminal conduct must be supported by evidence and reported to the police.
She maintained that the responsibility for investigating such claims does not rest with her. Her comments came after Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said he was in possession of documents related to allegations raised by Manning, which Alexander described as “shocking.”
Responding to that disclosure, Beckles said: “I’m not encouraging, supporting or agreeing with any corruption. Absolutely not. But the fact is that an allegation and an accusation is not guilt.
“If you have information that whatever she purchased was acquired illegally, then carry it to the authorities. If Mr Alexander himself has something shocking, he’s the Minister of Homeland Security. He’s a minister of Government. He can go and talk to the Commissioner of Police. They can do their investigation, but don’t put the onus on me at all.”
She added, “I am not the Attorney General. I am not the Minister of Homeland Security. I am not the Minister of Defence. I am not the Commissioner of Police. They know the powers they have to investigate. You have your powers to investigate. If you see something shocking, go and do your investigation. Don’t put any onus on me.”
Manning has claimed that several members of his former constituency executive have become “overnight millionaires,” particularly Alexis, who he alleges received millions of dollars in contracts through the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). He has also alleged that she acquired a million-dollar property in Florida that is inconsistent with her previous means.
However, when asked about the property, Beckles said she had no information regarding the matter.
“I don’t have that information as it relates to those particulars. But the issue is not so much whether she owns that condo. It’s the allegation that it was obtained through corrupt means. If you have that information, take it to the police,” she said.
Pressed on what responsibility she bears as party leader to address allegations of possible criminal wrongdoing within the party, Beckles insisted that the appropriate authorities should investigate any claims supported by evidence.
Despite the increasingly public confrontation between Manning and members of the PNM’s executive, Beckles revealed communication between them has continued.
She said she met with Manning on Tuesday and spoke with him again yesterday morning.
Beckles said the party’s internal process must be allowed to run its course, noting that the investigating committee’s inquiry is expected to be completed by today. The San Fernando East constituency election is expected to become the party’s next priority thereafter.
Beckles also rejected criticism of her leadership, particularly claims that she has failed to act decisively or lead from the front.
“All those who want to talk about your leadership style and you should have moved from in front, in front of what? You follow your procedure. If you decide that you are leading a party, some people feel you should be a dictator, do this, whatever. That is not how the law operates. That is not how a 70-year-old party operates,” she said.
“The procedure is very clear. And my colleagues on Monday were at pains to talk about the procedure. So those who would want you to do otherwise, I have no such intention.”
She also appeared unfazed by recent resignations and reports of growing dissatisfaction within the party.
On Wednesday, former senator Joel Primus resigned from the PNM after more than 25 years, claiming the party had lost its way.
Beckles acknowledged that resignations are never welcomed but said such developments were not unusual.
“It won’t be the first time that people resign from the PNM. A lot of them who are resigning, they will come back,” she said.
