THE People’s National Movement (PNM) has gone into problems after a top Syrian financier of the party threatened to pull support for statements made by a top East Indian PNM official.

The PNM official found himself in hot waters when he went for a massage at a Port of Spain spa three weeks ago and made some serious allegations about the financier’s race and illegal activities.

And he wasn’t giving them any “jerry”.

“The PNM official put his foot in his mouth during a conversation.

“He was speaking loudly, claiming that Syrians were responsible for bringing drugs into the country.

“He did not know the financier was also in the massage parlour in another room.

“When the massage was finished, the senior official came face to face with the financier, who was about to leave,” a PNM source told TnT Mirror.

Mirror understands that the financier, who overheard the conversation, complained to other PNM officials about the embarrassment he faced.

Sources say Prime Minister Patrick Manning has since been under tremendous pressure to remove the official.

“It is felt that a pull-out by the financier would be a big blow for the PNM, especially with elections due next year.

“The majority of PNM ministers are vex with the party official since they feel he opens his mouth too much.

“Only five of the ministers are speaking with the official.

“The PNM ministers feel the official should shut-up,” a party source said.

This newspaper was reliably informed that a big cuss-out followed a private meeting with several top rankers of the party and the senior official.

The meeting was called last Friday to discuss the issue.

“The senior PNM officials, who were all in disagreement with the official’s conduct, brought up other issues in which the official embarrassed the party.

“He was warned about his conduct and told he should know when to shut up.

“A taped conversation between the official and another person in another instance was also played in the meeting.

“The senior PNM officials are claiming that the party was still suffering from that episode and it was unfair that they now had another damage to deal with from the same individual,” Mirror was told.

PNM sources believe if Manning allows the official to remain in the position he holds the party may lose the upcoming general election.