Anyone with evidence of corruption or wrongdoing within the People’s National Movement (PNM) must take it to the police, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has said.This as she yesterday defended her handling of the fallout between San Fernando East MP Brian Manning and the now-former constituency executive, and his assertion that the Opposition Leader appeared reluctant to deal with alleged corrupt elements within the PNM.

Made claims: Brian Manning

Speaking at a news conference at the Opposition Leader’s office in Port of Spain, Beckles disclosed that she had a “very good” meeting with Manning yesterday morning, but declined to give details.Asked about Manning’s allegations, Beckles said she was “not a police officer” and the party was following its established procedure.“If at any time there is any allegation of wrongdoing, of any corruption by anybody as it relates to the PNM, if a person is making such an allegation and you have the evidence, you must take it to the police,” Beckles stated.She said she wanted to make it clear that an accusation does not automatically mean a person is guilty.She said information can be brought to the party and “we will do what we are able to do according to procedure”.“If you have evidence and are alleging corruption, take it to the police,” Beckles said.The Opposition Leader said she was “staying away from bacchanal and rumours”, as she had work to do, citing issues facing the population.Beckles said the integrity of those who were honest would be protected, and that “a person has a right to be heard”.The Arima MP hit back at criticisms of her leadership in the matter, emphasising the party’s constitution had to be respected.She stated that not everything which was happening in the PNM would be aired in the public.Beckles said she was not encouraging or supporting corruption, and noted the party did not have powers to investigate.“Don’t put the onus on me,” Beckles stated. “I am not the Attorney General, I am not the Homeland Security Minister, I am not the Defence Minister, I am not the Commissioner of Police. If you have evidence and you are seeing something shocking, you have the powers of investigation.”Beckles said the PNM was a 70-year-old political party and had its process and constitution, which must be respected.She recalled statements on Wednesday by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander that allegations of corruption involving public funds should be investigated by the police.While Alexander did not elaborate, he may have been referring an ownership document for a US$187,000 ($1.26 million) condominium in the St Andrews development, in Broward County, Florida, USA. Beckles noted Alexander was the Homeland Security Minister, and that the party could not investigate.No condo knowledgeBeckles also denied knowledge of the ownership of the condominium in Florida.She said the issue was not one of ownership, but whether the property was acquired by corrupt means.Beckles said the San Fernando East’s annual general meeting has been put off, while other PNM constituencies have begun their meetings.However, she said procedure had been triggered and was in train, but the party was not going to give all the details as to how it operates.She said the constituency executive had decided that was in their best interest to resign.Beckles also stated she had no issue with former education minister Hazel Manning seeking a position in the executive, as Manning has been involved in politics for a long time.Asked her feelings on Brian Manning’s public statements last week, Beckles said the PNM was a party which did not air its “dirty laundry” in public. She dismissed any questions as to whether Brian Manning would be asked to resign.However, she said times had changed, including with the use of social media.