POINTE-a Pierre MP David Lee is anxiously awaiting his day in court to prove his innocence, as he insists he is still the owner of the vehicle at the centre of the investigation which led to the two fraud charges laid against him.
The Financial Investigation Branch (FIB) has slapped Lee with charges arising out of an investigation into the purchase of a Mercedes Benz valued at $2.3 million which attracted a $1.4 million tax exemption.
It is being alleged that Lee was not using the vehicle and a party financier may have benefited from this transaction.
“I have full faith in our independent institutions, and I await my day in court to prove my innocence,” Lee said in a statement on Saturday.
He claimed the charges were nothing short of a “political witch hunt and distraction by this Government.”
He said he will prove that the charges are not only futile as well as false, “but are a direct attempt by an administration that has lost its way to change the national conversation away from the hardship which they have caused on our population.”
Vowing to be circumspect as the matter is now before the courts, he used the opportunity to inform the public, “That at no time did I contravene, conspire, or seek to defraud the State or its institutions through the access of exemptions for the purchase of a vehicle which all MPs are allowed.
Lee felt it important to let the public know that the transactions undertaken with respect to the vehicle were within the confines of the law, as the evidence would show.
“To this very day, the vehicle is owned by me, the vehicle remains in my name, the vehicle’s insurance is in my name, the loan agreement is in my name.”
He said all documentation supports the fact that: “I am the owner of the vehicle in question.
“I have always been transparent with the ownership of this vehicle, to the point that I have recorded it each year since its acquisition, on my annual declaration to the Integrity Commission.
“Put simply, I have been charged for a vehicle that I am the legal owner of, but this is an issue I am confident, given the proof, will be vindicated in our nation’s courts.”
Lee said he remains committed to do his job as MP, and will not be distracted, deterred, or even intimidated from taking a stand against a government that continues to put the population under significant socioeconomic burdens.
Lee’s status as party whip in the Parliament remains the same for now, UNC chairman Davendranath Tancoo said on Saturday. Tancoo said the party, which has thrown its full support behind its MP, is yet to discuss whether Lee will continue to holdthe position.
Tancoo clarified, however, that remit lies with the Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and not the chairman.
“What I can say is, I am not aware that any such discussions have been held. A man is innocent until proven guilty (of) the charges laid against him.
“I have full confidence my colleague will be absolved when this matter is finished. Unfortunately, taxpayers will have to bear the brunt of the burde
