PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Friday May 13, 2016 – The President of the Public Services Association (PSA) Watson Duke was detained by police overnight for questioning over a rape allegation, but he has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to vigorously defend his reputation.
Duke turned up at the Central Police Station in Port of Spain accompanied by an attorney yesterday afternoon, after learning that lawmen were looking for him. They had gone to his office earlier in the day, but he was not there at the time. The complainant in the matter, a 33-year-old who works at the PSA, reported to police that she went to the Hyatt Regency last Tuesday for what she thought was a business meeting, but Duke raped her in a hotel room.
“These allegations are absolutely untrue and I intend to defend myself vigorously,” Duke said in a statement issued yesterday. “I have communicated my intention to my family, my lawyers and to the appropriate authorities to cooperate fully with a proper police investigation in the matter. I therefore reserve more extensive comments on the situation to a more appropriate time.”
Duke asked that people allow time for the truth to emerge. He also indicated he would remain focused on his job as the head of the PSA. “I remain committed to delivering on the mandate given by my membership to improve the lives of public servants around the country and to carry out my duties as committed without bias,” he said.