Arouca/Maloney MP Camille Robinson-Regis yesterday created history by reading out in Parliament a search warrant which was issue for Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in connection with committing misconduct in public office and corruptly giving advantages as an inducement or reward.
Robinson-Regis read the document during her Budget contribution in Parliament, which led to an uproar and caused tempers to flare among Members. At one point, deputy Speaker Osmond Forde had to warn Members that he would not condone any outburst.
Robinson-Regis said the warrant, under the Indictable Preliminary Offences Act, was issued in the County of St Patrick by Inspector Derrick Walker of the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau and signed by acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle.
In addition to Moonilal, she said there were eight other people and companies who the search warrant had been issued for in relation to the offences.
“What it means is that when a search warrant is issued, it means that a court was convinced that there was a prima facie case of evidence linking the Member for Oropouche East to the charges I spoke about.”
She said that “all constables…meaning every single police officer looking for him” referring to Moonilal, who was absent from the Chamber during her contribution.
In response, Moonilal said it was a fabrication by the PNM and at no time had the police searched his home, office, car or locker room.
“Camille reported on an issue which is already in the public domain and reflected a desperate fight back. Her statement reflected my prophetic statement that they will come after me.
I think Camille will arrest me,” Moonilal stated in a text message last night