Representatives of PNM’s Port-of-Spain South constituency on Tuesday unanimously expressed confidence in MP Marlene McDonald via a motion.
Chairman of the constituency, Jean Elder, confirmed the meeting and the motion yesterday. She said the meeting was called at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, to get the views of constituency representatives following the dismissal of McDonald last Thursday.
McDonald’s appointment as Housing Minister was revoked by the Prime Minister last week.
This followed a third set of allegations against McDonald. It is alleged her reported common-law partner, Michael Carew, was hired at McDonald’s constituency office from 2010 to 2015, as well as his brother Lennox (for a shorter period) and both received high salaries over $10,000. Fixin’ T&T has asked the police and DPP to probe that.
Other allegations against her are also bring examined by the Integrity Commission (IC).
These concern the Calabar Foundation which Michael Carew reportedly headed—and claims of a relationship between McDonald and those in the foundation—plus McDonald’s alleged involvement in the granting of an HDC house to Carew in 2008 when she was in the previous PNM government.
The IC has reportedly started questioning key HDC parties concerning the housing aspect. Last week, former PNMite Louis Lee Sing called for McDonald to step down as MP and PNM deputy leader.
PNM chairman, Franklin Khan, later said McDonald could not be dismissed as MP. She was elected in the 2015 general election.
Yesterday, Elder, speaking about Tuesday’s constituency meeting, confirmed the constituency was upset and members felt people “were going behind” the MP.
Elder said Tuesday’s gathering was about 100 who represented the constituency’s 20-plus party groups. Attendees included groups from St James to John John, she said.
She added: “They were all in support of the MP. The motion of confidence was raised and seconded by members and unanimously passed.
“The view is we want the MP to remain and are not in favour of her stepping down as MP. She’s one of the best MPs.”
Elder could not comment on the aspect of McDonald’s post of deputy leader. McDonald didn’t respond to queries, saying she was en route to an engagement.
Contacted on the PNMites’ calls for McDonald to stay as MP, party PRO Ronald Huggins said that matter as well as McDonald’s deputy leadership were “all in the hands of the political leader.”