Padarath puts $3m deposit probe in lawyers’ hands

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Princes Town MP Barry Padarath has sent the matter of a police investigation into a reported $3 million deposit into a bank account linked to a close friend to his lawyers.

“The PNM (People’s National Movement) is looking desperately for a distraction from their political woes,” Padarath said in a text exchange with Guardian Media.

He said the PNM’s woes included the current controversy over Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez’s visit in March and contradictory statements coming from the PNM and the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen over whether Fuad Abu-Bakr was courted by the PNM for screening as a prospective general election candidate.

“I have no intention of being used as that distraction,” he said.

On why he would be a target, Padarath, who is in the United States and unable to return home as the borders are closed due to COVID-19, said he has been one of the most vocal critics on the Opposition bench.

“I am not afraid of them and their agents who are working behind the scenes to intimidate and muzzle the Opposition,” he said.

Asked if he had been contacted by the police in the matter, Padarath said, “I have not been advised by any authority that I, Barry Padarath, is under investigation.”

He also questioned who was making the allegation that he received money from contractors.

“Who are making these allegations? That is nothing but political mischief at play. The matter is now in the hands of my lawyers,” he said.