Finance Minister was never asked to take breathalyser test
— on night of accident

THE following statement was issued yesterday by the Office of the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, clarifying a misconception regarding the sobriety of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Sunday night last when he was involved in an accident.“AT or about 21:00 hrs on 23rd February, 2014 at the junction of Garnett and Delph Streets, Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, the Honourable Minister of Finance was involved in a vehicular collision with a motor car.
“The minister was taken to a city hospital for medical attention shortly after the accident. An associate of the minister facilitated the driver of the vehicle and the lone passenger to be taken to a city hospital for medical treatment. The matter was duly reported to the police and is being investigated.
“Without prejudice to the rights of all the parties to seek legal recourse, the Attorney-General met with the driver, the owner of the vehicle, and the passenger with a view of exploring the possibility of bringing the matter to an amicable end.
“Allegations that the Minister of Finance was intoxicated and failed to submit himself to a breathalyser test are rejected. Indeed, the minister was not invited to take a breathalyser test by anyone, and in fact, the occasion to do so did not present itself.
“It is hoped that this disclosure will bring to a swift end the speculations and inaccuracies which are being peddled in the public domain in relation to and in connection with this matter.”