Trinidad PM accuses UNC of buying votes

(Trinidad Guardian) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has accused the United National Congress (UNC) of buying votes for $300 as part of their attempt to ensure success in the August 10 general election.

He alleged that the source of these funds came from ill-gotten gains during their time in office. The PMmade the allegations during the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) first virtual political meeting last night at the Bagatelle Community Centre, Diego Martin.

Rowley boasted that no one in his government was running from the police, nor had anyone used their position to further their own interests during the past five years.

During the television and radio broadcast, he said, “Tonight I can stand on this platform and tell you without fear of contradiction there is nobody in my Government who is running from the police.”

The PM said his Government was about solving problems. Questioning what was their role, he added, “And then you will realise that their solution in this election is to spend as much as the money they thief to come into constituencies and pay you $300 for your vote.”

He reminded citizens that under T&T’s laws, it is an offence to pay somebody to vote.

Rowley added, “But secondly, your vote is worth more than $300. And anyone who is paying you to vote is insulting you and your intelligence, and your children’s future is at risk in the hand of any such person.”

Rowley said the one question citizens must ask themselves is, “Where is that money coming from? We know the answer already, but ask them the question. That is the money they thief that now coming out. Their friends who helped them thief it paying them to get back in office to continue to thief it.”