PNM Chairman and Opposition MP for Arouca/Lopinot Marvin Gonzales has raised concerns over the circulation of a video showing PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings being served with legal documents at Piarco International Airport.
Speaking during a People’s National Movement (PNM) press conference on Thursday, Gonzales confirmed that Cummings had been served earlier that day and said the documents had since been handed over to the party’s legal team for review.
“We haven’t had the opportunity to look at the documents,” Gonzales said, noting that the party would await legal guidance before commenting further on the substance of the matter.
However, Gonzales said he was troubled by the circumstances surrounding the recording and public circulation of the video showing Cummings being served at the airport.
He questioned whether the footage was captured by members of the media or by law enforcement officers and called for an explanation if police were responsible for recording or releasing it.
“I have no objection whatsoever with the police doing what they’re supposed to do,” Gonzales said. “But if the video was taken by law enforcement and leaked to the media, the police must explain who took it and for what purpose.”
A reporter then clarified that what had been circulated was a video rather than a still photograph, prompting Gonzales to reiterate his concerns. He responded, “Worse yet, was it a member of the media or was it a law enforcement officer? And if it is a law enforcement officer, why was it leaked to the media and for what purpose?”
Gonzales also said he had been informed that arrangements had been made for the legal documents to be served at Balisier House later that afternoon but that Cummings was instead served upon his arrival at Piarco International Airport.
When asked about the mood within the party’s executive, Gonzales said members remained confident and united.
“We are excited about defending the People’s National Movement. We are excited about defending Dr. Eric Williams’ party. We are ready, we are willing and we are able,” he said.
Asked whether the PNM was considering seeking information about the Government’s own funding, Gonzales said the party would first await the advice of its legal team before determining its next course of action.
He concluded by assuring supporters that the PNM would vigorously defend itself through the legal process while maintaining its position that the investigation amounts to political persecution, a characterization that reflects the party’s view.
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