HOUSING Minister Adrian Leonce said he does not understand why people are creating controversy about his business involvement with someone with an alleged criminal link in the UK.
In a statement on March 24, Leonce said he formed a company in the UK after deciding not to re-enter electoral politics. He was put in contact with someone in the UK who assisted in registering the business in September 2023.
Leonce said that in July 2024, he was informed that the person who registered the business in the UK and was a director, was under criminal investigation. He claimed telling that person to terminate the company immediately. He said the company was terminated on July 17, 2024.
In his statement, Leonce said, "For the record, I categorically deny any involvement whatsoever in any illegal activity, either directly or indirectly. I have no affiliation with the individual other than this (the company) and know nothing of his business dealings or other activities."
In an interview with Newsday on March 26, Leonce said he did not think the issue would have affected his work as then Minister in the Ministry of Housing (at the time the company was formed and later de-listed) or would have any effect on his current portfolio as Housing Minister.
“Quite frankly, I don’t understand why people think it’s such a big deal. If I felt it was a big deal and would have created some level of embarrassment, I would have pulled away a long time ago.
“I have given a statement that I think was quite clear, with some facts. There’s nothing to be hidden or ashamed of. In my view, I did nothing wrong and so to indicate and say that based on information coming out would have resulted in me having some kind of adverse impact or something like that, I don’t see it being relevant at all.”
Asked if the realisation that he was in partnership with someone who is under criminal investigation was part of the reason he decided to not go up for MP for Laventille East/Morvant in general election, he said, “That could not be the reason because then I wouldn’t be serving now. If that had any grounds in it, I wouldn’t be serving now.
“I am very focused on my community and my people. I am very focused on ensuring they get the best representation and opportunities. I am not distracted by little things.”
Leonce said he did not think the issue being raised on the eve of a general election would have an impact on the PNM’s chances of winning.
“I believe people are deliberately trying to create a specific type of narrative. I think the citizens know narratives are formed when an election is called. I think our culture is accustomed to that. I’m quite focused on the job I have to do and I’m not phased by some of the comments by people."
Earlier on March 26, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between East Port of Spain (EPoS) Development Company Limited and Nu Wave Automotive Limited, in El Socorro, Leonce was asked how he felt about the criticisms that followed revelations of his business links with a UK suspect.
“A lot of p
