Trinidad MP addresses sex ring allegations

PORT-OF-SPAIN, (CMC):

Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glen Ramadarsingh, yesterday described as "baseless" allegations that his ministry was running a sex ring, with employees being forced to provide sex for favours.

Former national security minister, Austin Warner, speaking at a political meeting of his newly formed Independent Liberal party (ILP) over the weekend, said that he had documents to back up the accusation.

"I have names and places and dates of the persons involved," Warner said, adding that one employee had been fired after complaining about the matter.

"Employees are forced to have sex for favours," Warner told supporters, as the ILP campaigned for the Local Government election that is likely to be held in October.

But Ramadarsingh told a news conference that he would only respond to allegations where "something is portrayed dramatically and inaccurately".

"The baseless accusations I will not respond to. In fact, I have been cautioned by my attorney to leave that work to them in responding to matters of that nature."