PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar is not focused at present on debating political leaders ahead of the general election due no later than September 17, according to her debate negotiator, attorney Larry Lalla.

Last month, the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission (TTDC) said agreement has been reached for Prime Minister Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to debate each other ahead of the general election.

TTDC Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Kumar said then, the biggest challenge now is to find a moderator for the “Leaders Debate” that is acceptable to all parties.

The Trinidad Express newspaper reported yesterday that Lalla, in a letter sent to the project manger of the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission, Lorraine O’Connor, re-affirmed the prime minister’s position “that she is willing to debate the issues that are relevant to the forthcoming general election and the future of our country and its citizens”.

“However at present, I am sure you would appreciate, the prime minister’s focus is on governing the country, improving people’s lives and delivering a better future for each and every one of its citizens,” he emphasised.

“Her present focus is on the delivery of goods and services in the areas of health care, crime reduction, education, infrastructure development and management of the economy, which is in accordance to the mandate that was given to her in the last general election and in accordance with the full expectations of our population. Indeed, the national public have a right to demand nothing less of the prime minister.”

Lalla said that when the election date is announced, “and in good time, we will discuss who should host the debate, who will participate in same and what the format should be”.

Embattled leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Austin Jack Warner has complained in the past that he should be part of the debate.

But the commission said the criteria for participation ” each party/alliance must demonstrate the potential to form the next government by nominating candidates to at least 50 per cent of seats (21 seats) to contest the election or have registered a showing of at least 12.5 per cent of decided voters in two nationally recognised, independent opinion polls.

“Once ILP meets the above criteria, ILP will be invited to participate in the debates,” the commission said.

But since that statement, Warner has found himself facing an extradition request from the United States where he has been charged with money laundering, racketerring, wire fraud in relation to his activities as a former vice president of FIFA, the international governing body of football based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Warner is due back in court here on July 9 as he challenges the extradition request.