THE ruling PNM is alive with speculation about which government minister leaked a sensitive Cabinet note to Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The Cabinet document revealed cost overruns of $118 million on construction works of the terminal of A.N.R. Robinson International Airport.
Ms. Persad-Bissessar’s expose forced Finance Minister Colm Imbert to recant on a previous claim that the additional cost was $16.9 million.
Imbert had previously dismissed the report of high cost overruns.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley also issued a denial.
But Ms. Persad-Bissessar’s screenshot of the November 28 Cabinet note forced a confession from Imbert.
The note was accompanied by five relevant documents that listed areas of increased costs.
After the acknowledgment by Imbert, the Opposition Leader called for his dismissal.
Cabinet notes are confidential, and Ms. Persad-Bissessar’s disclosure led to frustration, anger and finger-pointing among ministers.
Rhoda Bharath, a government communications operative, said a PNM Cabinet minister leaked the Cabinet note “to create problems for the Minister of Finance” because that minister “is interested in becoming the next political leader of the party.”
Bharath said the minister who leaked the document is “threatened by Imbert, of all people, and only because Imbert is a senior member of the party.”
The suspect was not identified, but Bharath’s sweeping statement is an indication of a deep-rooted Cabinet squabble and increasing instability.
It was revealed two years ago that Bharath’s media and research firm was employed by National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) at a monthly fee of $30,000 as a communications consultant.
NLCB reports to the Ministry of Finance.
Bharath’s claim aligns with separate reports of ongoing friction and tension among certain government ministers in an effort to position themselves politically.
The emergence of separate camps in the campaign for PNM leadership positions has sparked in-fighting among some Cabinet members.
There are allegations that certain ministers are undermining colleagues and seeking to place them in a bad light.
Imbert is a former PNM chairman and, until recently, acted as Prime Minister during Rowley’s absence from the country.
Insiders said that in a few instances, particular ministers are not forthcoming in signing off on projects that would benefit electoral constituents of certain ministers.
The rift began several months ago but worsened in recent weeks amid hints from Rowley that he would demit office in the foreseeable future.
There has been intense undercutting and backroom jockeying, a Cabinet source said.
“It is all a power play,” one well-placed source said.
“Ministers may not be washing their dirty linens in public,” the source said, “but relationships inside the Cabinet are not too good.”
Some ministers were reportedly thrilled at Fitzgerald Hinds’ decision to withdraw his candidacy for the Laventille West constituency.
Foster Cummings, the PNM’s general secretary, has the active support of some colleagues in his pursuit of higher office.
Party Chairman Stuart Young is seen as divisive as the touted successor to Rowley as party leader.
Faris Al Rawi still has lingering prospects of moving up in the ranks, while Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales and others are also said to be ambitious.
