THE wife of a millionaire San Fernando businessman, with strong ties to the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), is reportedly fighting for her life at a South Trinidad nursing home after she allegedly drank a poisonous substance said to be gramoxone, some two days ago at the family’s mansion.

According to reports, doctors have given a 50-50 chance of survival to the 73-year-old woman.

Reports are that the woman has been a victim of mental abuse for several years and often sought the ear of Prime Minister Patrick Manning whenever she saw certain PNM officials acting out of line and not keeping to the principles of the party.

“It’s no secret that she has been the subject of ridicule from those close to her and she just couldn’t take it anymore and decided to end her life,” a source said.

Relatives, however, are tight-lipped about the incident and are allowing no visitors to the woman’s bedside.

They have dismissed the allegation as “ole talk” and claimed that her hospitalisation is a result of a heart attack.

Sources disclosed that the cover-up comes for fear that if suicide is confirmed, insurance will not be paid.

She is said to have insurance policies worth millions of dollars.