The People’s National Movement (PNM) has rejected allegations surrounding the financing of its Balisier House headquarters, accusing the Government of using State resources to pursue political opponents instead of addressing issues such as crime, the economy, unemployment, healthcare and education.
The PNM said it has assembled a legal team to examine the developments and will pursue all available legal remedies to protect the party and those affected.
In a statement on Saturday, the Opposition party said it had not received any official correspondence or been served with any High Court order in relation to reports that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) had obtained judicial approval to investigate the financing of the redevelopment of Balisier House and the party’s fundraising activities.
The PNM denied any wrongdoing, saying there was “nothing improper, unlawful or secretive” about the financing of its headquarters or the fundraising activities undertaken over many years.
It said Balisier House and the land on which it stands were acquired more than 65 years ago and that the redevelopment was never undertaken in secret. The party maintained that it had lawfully raised funds for more than 15 years through public appeals, party events and voluntary donations from members and supporters.
The party claimed the investigation formed part of a politically motivated campaign against it.
“It began with a deliberate public smear campaign by the United National Congress… It has now progressed to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service allegedly seeking and receiving judicial authority to pursue what is a politically motivated witch hunt,” the statement said.
The PNM also criticised the Government for what it described as the misuse of public resources.
“Rather than focus its attention on the economy, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and the many challenges confronting citizens every day, this UNC Government appears determined to weaponise the machinery and financial resources of the State against its principal political opponent,” it said.
The party further alleged there was an increasing pattern of political victimisation through the use of State institutions and warned that citizens should be concerned if public bodies were perceived to be used for partisan purposes.
The statement follows media reports that High Court Judge Margaret Mohammed granted a Preliminary Unexplained Wealth Order application brought by the TTPS under the Civil Asset Recovery and Management and Unexplained Wealth Act.
According to court documents, police are seeking to compel the PNM and its trustees to explain the source of funding for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Balisier House as part of an investigation into whether the party’s wealth exceeds its lawfully obtained income.
The affidavit filed by acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Ramdath Phillip alleges investigators suspect the project may have been financed, in part, through corrupt arrangements involving government contractors who received favourable treatment in the award of State contracts while the PNM was in office between 2015 and 2025.
