Trinidad MP feels vindicated in US bank account allegations made against Prime Minister

(Trinidad Guardian) Vindicated. That’s how United National Congress MP Roodal Moonilal said he felt yesterday after he claimed several “pieces of the puzzle started coming together” concerning the recent allegations he’s made against Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

“Forty-eight hours after the allegations and without one investigation being launched, I feel vindicated that at least I was on a path—I’m inspired by the Attorney General, you really do have to ‘follow the money.’”

Moonilal spoke to reporters during a break in yesterday’s Standing Finance Committee meeting in Parliament. He was commenting on various reports about the allegations he made during Tuesday’s 2019 Budget debate.

Moonilal had produced alleged email information on which he queried what he perceived as “links” between Rowley and alleged financial transactions emanating from A&V Drilling to a Miami bank. Rowley, at a media briefing on Wednesday and in Parliament, rubbished Moonilal’s allegations as untrue and his documents as bogus. Rowley said he had no banking transaction of the nature Moonilal alleged, nor did he have any accounts in Miami or the United States.

Following media reports, Moonilal yesterday noted that one of the people in his allegations—one Charlie Diaz—does exist.

He also noted the Rowley had—subsequent to his press conference—confirmed being cousin to one J Rawlinson Rowley.

“At his press conference, the Prime Minister didn’t choose to disclose that,” Moonilal added.

On Wednesday, PM Rowley had said an email Moonilal had made allegations about, and which Rowley had seen being circulated by UNC members on social media didn’t involve him. PM Rowley said the email address, “jrowley.rawlinson@gmail.com” was not his email.

Moonilal added: “I’m happy that 48 hours later we’ve now confirmed there is a Charlie Diaz, there’s a business confirmed to be linked for 17 years to AV Drilling and the details I gave in my presentation are confirmed to be true.”

While Diaz reportedly denied the alleged cheques, Moonilal said he did not think the cheques were meant to be Diaz’s.

“But we now have 25 per cent of the puzzle—we have 75 per cent more to get. As days go by, the pieces are coming together and without investigation. They’re just coming together with social media and media investigations.”

Moonilal said investigations could deal with denials on several fronts.

“At least from my side, I’m starting to feel very light on my feet,” he said.