The government minister whose sons are allegedly under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States must come forward and identify himself or herself.

This is the position of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley who told the Express, by telephone yesterday, the country must not be left in a state of speculation.

"I think the minister should be identified and the public shouldn't be left to speculate, and at that stage we would determine the nature of the problem," said Rowley.

He said he sees the issue as a family problem and, depending who the minister is, then it could become a matter of national interest.

"It is not fair to be left to speculation against the whole Cabinet... whoever is involved should come forward and identify himself or herself because there is a lot of speculation and rumour, and in the public interest a matter like this should not be left as a speculative manner."

Rowley added that if money laundering issues are involved, this could be a matter of public interest.

He said the People's Partnership Government is one that governs under a cloak of secrecy.

"Unfortunately, it has been the very nature and issue of the Government. This Government has distinguished itself in one particular area, and that is not being truthful and forthright with the public, and they tend to fool the public on matters of public interest and, in fact, they take the public for fools," he said.

"So when matters arise that require explanation or acceptance of truth and so on, you are forced to draw information from the Government like pulling teeth," he continued.

Rowley said he and members of the Roundtable—representatives of the unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)—will be speaking at a public meeting tonight in St James, where issues of governance will be addressed.

He added that the joint police-army patrols proposed by the Government pose a threat to the good order of the nation, and much more will be said on this tonight.

"And in all issues, the one common thread is that the Government is not being forthright and truthful with the population and continues to destroy our good order," said Rowley.

And Prakash Ramadhar, political leader of the Congress of the People (COP), said more information was needed concerning the Minister and his family.

"I wait with bated breath for more information on this matter because it is extremely serious and I imagine quite urgent," said Ramadhar.

"Having read the (Sunday Guardian) article, we are waiting on the foreign authorities' decision as to how they go forward and what is disclosed to us.

"I do not want to comment at this point in time, but rest assured once there is material supporting one way or the other this serious allegation, the COP will not remain open to embrace those silent on that matter."

Ramadhar was speaking during a news conference at the COP's head office in Charlieville, Chaguanas, yesterday.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan was also contacted on the issue, but he declined comment.

National Security Minister Jack Warner also declined comment.