Head of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry Commerce, Gabriel Faria, is now saying sorry for “intemperate” comments he made about the state of play in the country’s politics.

It comes on the heels of private WhatsApp conversations between Faria and another person being leaked on Wednesday, which showed the Chamber CEO expressing his dissatisfaction with government’s management of the country. “I think you are making assumptions about the responsible and ethical behaviour of politicians,” Faria wrote, adding “there is no interest in being responsible or ethical or treating either the citizens or businesses with respect or fairly.”

On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley took to Facebook, dishing out a harsh condemnation of Faria’s statements. Without referencing in the messages in particular, Dr. Rowley accused Faria of having an “acid tongue” and using his position to sway political votes.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar defended Faria following the tongue lashing from the PM, accusing Dr. Rowley of  “harassing private citizens”.

In a statement on Thursday evening, Faria appeared to stand by his initial sentiments, though regretful it had been placed into the public domain. “It is my opinion that business concerns were not being adequately addressed,” he said. “The sentiments I expressed were underpinned by a growing frustration I felt as a key advocate on behalf of business. This does not excuse the tone or content of what I said, but it is intended to provide the context for my actions.”

He said even though the comments were made in private, he accepts that he should still have been mindful of his public and professional roles, and in particular, his position as the Chamber’s CEO. 

It remains unknown whether the upset will cost him his position. “The Board of the Chamber has requested to meet to decide the way forward on this issue,” Faria revealed.