00:00Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissassa says she never knew Star Sabga or Genevieve Hadid before their name surfaced in connection
00:08with an audio recording containing racist and threatening remarks allegedly directed to her.
00:14Responding to questions from the express, the Prime Minister said she was disturbed by references in the recording describing her
00:21as a stinking coolie and suggesting she should receive a bullet to the head.
00:27Passat-Bissassa said, quote, I didn't even know these two bigoted persons existed.
00:32I also assume that East Indians supportive of their party, the PNM, are not coolies.
00:38Only UNC supporting East Indians are stinking coolies, end quote.
00:43Passat-Bissassa said the comments were not only offensive, but would also have wider repercussions, saying, quote,
00:49Most unfortunately, these racist and nasty comments will follow other members of the Syrian-Lebanese community who had absolutely nothing
00:58to do with it, end quote.
01:01The comments follow the circulation of an audio recording over the weekend, perpetually featuring businesswoman star Sabga and her niece
01:09Genevieve Hadid.
01:10In the recording, Sabga allegedly criticizes the Prime Minister over the revocation of United States visas for several Trinidad and
01:19Tobago nationals
01:20and makes a series of inflammatory remarks, including references to violence against members of Parliament.
01:27The recording has not been independently authenticated by TV6.
01:32Meanwhile, the Prime Minister says the investigation has now extended beyond Trinidad and Tobago.
01:37She revealed that multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies are now involved alongside local authorities.
01:45She told the Express, quote,
01:47I am advised that multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies are involved
01:52and that new persons, financial institutions and businesses have been identified in the expanding investigation.
02:00These investigations have increased in complexity and will take some time, end quote.
02:05The Prime Minister also said she had not been provided with specific details on the ongoing investigations,
02:11but confirmed they have widened beyond their original scope.
02:15You can read more on this story in Tomorrow's Express by Anna Ramdas.
02:19Arvashita Mwari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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